Spectator 1987

[cruciverbali]

Three-legged race by Doc can be found on page 77 on the usual site:

http://thespectator.n...om/epaper/viewer.aspx

Have a great Thursday folks !

[kayakamina]

Thanks for the link cruciverbali.

Although I got the theme early on from the connection between 6d and the title, I
found the puzzle a bit ponderous.
It reinforced my opinion that the members of Doc's team set better crosswords than he does.

Good luck everyone.

[Ironie]

http://www.spectator....6391818/crossword.pdf

[zita-green]

Thanks to both for the link

[roslyn251254]

Thanks for the links both. Easiest for a while!

[mad max]

many thanks for link

[novalis]

Many thanks for the links.

[zita-green]

Not sure if it's getting easier or that I'm improving. How do I tell?

[bathtub]

It's probably a bit of both, Zita... but this wasn't a great test. I echo K's comments. I don't know if it's the way I'm feeling, but I get the impression that we haven't had much fun from the Speccie of late.

[Christiana]

Thanks for the linkl. On holiday so a chance to do the crossword whilst I'm away. Hopefully will be able to do them regularly again now winter is approaching

[zita-green]

I have heard that some setters use advanced computer programmes to help them set crosswords. I don't know if this is true but, if it is, a setter using their own brain and knowledge to compile one is probably going to be 'easy' in comparison.

[bathtub]

I doubt that very much, because setters of cryptics especially have their own distinctive style.A computer programme just couldn't do that. I also think it would take the setter of all setters (and then some) to devise the incredibly complex algorithms that would be required.
I'm sure that setters, like solvers, vary enormously in how and how much they use computers and the internet. They probably use most of the same tools and resources we do.

[Ironie]

Yes, I agree, this was more like a small step for ... rather than a giant leap ..., but I nevertheless have no idea what is wanted at 30 down, even though I believe I have the correct cross letters: ?RA?ID. Can anyone perhaps put me on the right track? Thanks.

[mintyman99]

Ironie. those are the correct letters. K's hint is a good one. If you have 6D and a map you should have the theme.