Times 23793

[jienabella]

Last 2 please help need to go to bed. 3d criticize effort at promotion after a game. 12a one wearing very old dress originally in absence of a suit.
Thanking you in advance.

[kettledrum]

How many letters? What letters hve you already got?

[kettledrum]

12a. void. 1 in V(ery) O(ld) D(ress). Void meaning no cards in a suit in a (bridge) hand.

[kettledrum]

3d. animadvert ...a + nim + advert

[nomad123]

how did you get the first bit kettle??

[kettledrum]

Nomad - is it 3d you don't understand.?

animadvert means to criticise / make a critical remark. A game = a nim (childrens game where you take away an odd number matchsticks or similar things from a pile and you have to avoid being forced to take the last matchstick), and an advert is a promotion.

[jienabella]

Thanks for your help kettledrum. Much appreciated.