Ev 1584

[saladdodger]

I have an "almost" full grid but haven't a clue what the preamble is talking about at all. Can someone help out please?
Still stuck on 2 of the 5..... 12a B?ACK and 13a ?OTH

[ProfessorMaisie]

saladdodger - you mean IQ 1584

12a is thematic (BRACK is entered).
13a ditto (HATH is entered).

[saladdodger]

Thanks ProfessorMaisie (just finished EV ...sorry for the wrong title!)
help with the preamble appreciated...

[saladdodger]

Ah ... i think i know where i'm going with the 5 specials now....

[ProfessorMaisie]

The puzzle is almost as complicated as the preamble is convoluted!

When you select the clashing letters work from the centre out for the top left string, then ditto top right, ditto bottom right, ditto bottom left (4 letters each time). This should help you get the theme (3 words in all T?? W??????? G????).

[ProfessorMaisie]

I enjoyed EV - much more straightforward than this IQ (even with what looks like an error in 4dn.).

[saladdodger]

yes that breem was confusing!