Games First Half Of Series Without Recess

[Jegsi]

Answer snooker
first half of series = ser
recess = nook i understand

but why is without used and not with
can anyone explain , i notice in other clues without is used meaning with
i hope i have explained my self clearly
thank you

[dannyk13]

Without = outside

[Mamyalynne]

Without can also mean outside,encircling.

[cashier]

Without means on the outside of so ser round nook

[elliemay1]

s nook er
'ser' is outside 'nook'

[Spoffy]

Setters sometimes conveniently forget that while 'without' as an adverb can mean 'outside' ('He heard a noise without'), as a preposition ('without recess') it can't - such use is shown by both Chambers and Collins as 'archaic'. The clue is faulty, but don't be surprised if you see other clues using 'without' to mean 'on the outside of'.

[Jegsi]

thank you

[elliemay1]

Spoffy, setters probably have something akin to a 'poetic licence'

[Spoffy]

What you say may well be so;
It makes things tough for solvers, though.
I'd rather when they meant 'enfolds'
They used a word like 'bags' or 'holds'.