I've never got this far with a barebones before and am hoping that these three are all 11 letters long. If not please don't answer, I obviously need to be more careful with my grid. Anyway hoping they are 2 down Wet artist joins one at NewYork R_ _ _ _ _ _ _A _ _ 6d Spell one claimed could be based on system _ _ _ _ DEC_ _ _L 7 d About to get drinks for all _ _ _ _D _ F _ _ _ O Thanks again
I have just reread your post and I now note that you didn't want answers to two of your questions if the solutions were not 11 letters!
This is a strange way of seeking our help but if I have spoiled it for you I am sorry.
Don't worry Kakayama - You've helped loads. I think I'll probably finish this now - whereas I probably wouldn't have otherwise. Thanks again.
How do others approach these bare bones crosswords?
riscagirl the first thing to do is to fill in the squares which correspond on a symmetrical basis to the starter blacked out squares provided by the setter.
By doing that you will have filled in another 12 squares giiving you a starting pattern of 16.
Don't worry about the spelling of my name everyone calls me K anyway.