Listener 4097: Half-Thyme by Dipper

[midazolam]

In a way typical of what we expect from Dipper, although harder than recent efforts. Initially a quick start developed into a much slower finish. I enjoyed tracking down the herbs but I thought the placing of the misprints was slightly unfair. At least it left something else to tackle near the end (unlike previous times).

[IainGrace]

Finished this, having, like others, struggled with 18 ac - but resolved when we realised the extent of the clashes, after we had deduced the phrase.

Re earlier posts, don't think we find the crosswords any easier, although some posts on this site will always help. Agree generally with Staurologist's comments. As relative newcomers to these threads, we suspect the participants are mostly among the more "elite" successful solvers out of the 500 or so regular submissions. We do not include ourselves in that category, with a typical batting average of 50% submitted and correct each year - partly due to holidays, stupidity and failure to attempt number puzzles and Playfairs etc. As to the last of these, is there any way "in" to Playfairs or must one just rely on intuiting the keyword from the context/theme?

[cruciverbali]

Quite the opposite Iain, it is rarely possible to guess the keyword, which is more often completely unrelated to the theme (as it should be in a true Playfair). At the end of the day it's a 'logic puzzle' within a puzzle, and you are right to bracket the device with numericals - they both require a certain deductive reasoning with an ability to juggle the alternatives and think spacially. This said, the setter needs to ensure that they are reasonably straightforward to solve, and there is usually more than enough help from the checked letters to aid the solver. As a last resort, sites such as this can help:

http://www.quinapalus...rpc&dict=0&ent=Search

(or phone a friend !)

[IainGrace]

Thanks for that and the tips on Playfairs - doubtless to be put to the test soon, since we must be due one.

[mullingar]

I am tantalisingly close to only my second ever listener finish! As you can see it's an old one. 18 across Dividing line is base minus unknown in angular unit(9) I have AG-PSOB but as you know these must probably include the letters (DI) from dill and there may be several clashes. I'm also stuck on 23 across Bundled female copper out of office into cells. Quite the reverse (11) I believe this might include the letters CIC for cicely.I have _A_ULAT_ but of course these letters could change. I presume 34 down is OLPE but cannot work out the word play-Half a jug. Most of jug. All of jug and I cannot get anywhere near the two mystery words haviing been given no guidance on how to resolve the clashes. On second thoughts maybe I'm not so close after all. Anyone help?

[Mysterons]

(GA)OL- PE(N)

'copper' = CU

'cells' = ASCI

'angular unit' = RADIAN