Guardian Prize Crossword

[rodders12]

Anyone else decided they just can't be bothered with such a complicated and badly clued puzzle ?

[JJ109]

I enjoyed it - typically these are more difficult to start, but once you get going and understand the theme and how it works, they become a lot easier as you can anticipate the answers and then just need to parse them.

Took me longer than usual - about 2 and a half hours compared to about one. Just persevere!

[Fretworker]

My thoughts exactly. I'll let this one go. Season's best wishes ..........

[Hilfwat]

I'm about halfway through but I can't say I'm enjoying very much. Would have been much happier with a nice, testing Paul!

[Hilfwat]

I think that 38D should be 5,3 rather than 8.

[JJ109]

It should, it is one of the 33 - 26 = 7 that are two words.

[JJ109]

What I didn't understand was why some are split into the two words eg 3d, 33a 14d with the number in the answers given as two words etc but four were not 37d 38d, 25d, 43a

[aurion]

Thanks Hilfwat! You gave me the answer!

"I think that 38D should be 5,3 rather than 8."

[Hilfwat]

Yes - it's strange. A simple proofreading error or an extra layer of subtlety?

[Hilfwat]

You're welcome, Aurion. jj109 did the same for me with 37D. I was looking for some very strange non-existent 8-letter word but, once you know it is two words, it's a write-in!

[OHCelt]

Agreed - this is dull and tedious. I'll pass for today.

[Hilfwat]

My feelings too, OHCelt. The primary ingenuity seems to have gone into compiling the grid - the clues themselves lack sparkle and PDMs.

[Martin39]

This is not worth the bother. Why can't they give us an old Araucaria just to help us remember a great compiler?

[johnny65]

I usually look forward in trying to tackle this but had a look at this weeks one and thought "can't be bothered I'm afraid."

[BudgieJane]

It might be complicated, but I don't think it is badly clued.

[diddlydo]

It's an excellent puzzle.

[Adept1]

Finished apart from 18d, 43ac, and 48ac... and one of them must be a G word.

[rosmarinus]

I'm disappointed at the number of errors in the letter counts.
A great shame as it had the potential to be an excellent puzzle.