The Times Crossword Friday Masterclass: Episode 23

** TODAY'S PUZZLE **
In the 23rd edition of our attempt to solve a Friday Times crossword, Simon takes on today's puzzle, which is rated harder than average with his holiday brain (please excuse any audio/video issues from my laptop)!
The puzzle is available to play on The Times crossword club website (which is behind their paywall):
www.thetimes.co.uk/puzzleclub...
You can find more information about the SNITCH rating here:
xwdsnitch.herokuapp.com/cross...
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Joining us on Patreon costs as little as $2 a month and includes Mark's new solve of The Times' Club Monthly special - a vicious cryptic!!
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www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
** NEW CONTENT ON PATREON **
Joining us on Patreon costs as little as $2 a month and includes Mark's solve of The Times' Club Monthly special - a vicious cryptic!!
/ crackingthecryptic
** NEW GAS PACK IS OUT **
The new GAS pack is out on Steam for PC here:
store.steampowered.com/app/21...
It's already out on Android and App Store. 60 original puzzles by Sam Cappleman-Lynes, Clover and Philip Newman!! Earn party hats and dinosaurs with these brand new puzzles!
We've also released a FREE app full of handmade puzzles to celebrate reaching 500k subscribers - simply download the Cracking The Cryptic app on Android, Steam or App Store and then select the 500k pack. We're streaming a playthrough of this app and you can watch all seven episodes
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▶ SUDOKU PAD - Our New App ◀
You can input classic sudoku puzzles into our software and help support Sven, the programmer responsible for the wonderful user interface we all use to play these puzzles everyday. The app also comes with 12 handmade puzzles from us:
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[@jgreen2015]

He looks like he's an anonymous whistleblower having his identity protected in a news interview

[@longwaytotipperary]

😄

[@auximenes]

“Anonymous whistleblower having his identity protected”. How many letters?

[@Anne_Mahoney]

@@auximenes alternately clued as "a smooth ninny"?

[@ConManAU]

He’s wanted for revealing the sudoku secret.

[@wibbol]

Read this comment during the intro, laughed out loud when the webcam showed up!

[@johnglass6725]

Don't let the KZbin algorithm put you off doing these videos! AI will never appreciate brilliant, thoughtful, witty content. But real people most certainly do. Thank you both for your amazing commitment to the channel and your followers.

[@davidrattner9]

Always a wonderful joy to have this tradition continue for us every Friday! 😀

[@hoagy_ytfc]

Totally, these are entertaining and educational. I'm getting better at solving cryptic crosswords by watching these.

[@emilywilliams3237]

Agreed.

[@longwaytotipperary]

Ditto 👍

[@Anne_Mahoney]

Yes -- and particular credit for Simon for doing it even while he's on vacation. Are we all agreed that it's quite suspicious that Simon is taking a vacation at exactly the time of the Open Championship, and do we all suspect that he's spending 50% of his time watching the match and the other 50% playing himself at the next nearest course? 😸

[@longwaytotipperary]

@@Anne_Mahoney if so, good for him!!!!!

[@anthonydonegan8180]

I always enjoy these videos. especially when Simon says “Ah - ‘daffodil’ now a common short synonym for ‘daffodil ’ is ‘fed’. Let me prove it to you with my CD ROM from 1998. Now I understand that if you’re new to cryptic crosswords you may be feeling a bit bamboozled by this - but its just experience” Keep them coming - it is definitely helping me - although I am still waiting for the word “see” to indicate the letter’V’. One day.

[@SomeRandomGuyOnYouTube]

If you're wondering how on earth "neat" indicates OX, it's an old cryptic crossword trick. "Neat" is an archaic word for a cow or ox.

[@PotmosHetoimos]

I want to assure you guys that these videos are appreciated and their influence is expanding. Since you started the Friday masterclass series, I have gone from slack-jawed bafflement, to starting to comprehend how clues work, to being able to figure out a couple on my own here and there, to finishing simple cryptics on discord with a few friends, to solving them entirely on my own, and now becoming a novice setter myself! The art of wordplay is so fascinating and flexible, and I love how your minds work through the clues. Keep sharing these solves with us please!

[@fruitshuit]

One thought regarding the performance of the videos (which I really love and hope you continue to make), maybe instead of episode numbers you could mark the videos with the date or some non-numerical subtitle? Giving them episode numbers might turn some new viewers away, thinking they were expected to have watched the previous 22 videos, which I don't think is necessary since you're always so careful to explain as you go!

[@graystone2802]

That is a great point, certainly makes a lot of sense. I hope simon sees this

[@archivist17]

I agree 👍🏼

[@thecallingtreecompany7261]

Great!! Please remember I to shout out the number of letters for us who only listen and can’t watch the video. These are the best 🎉

[@Alex_Meadows]

It occurred to me earlier that my two favourite hobbies these days are cryptic crosswords and variant sudoku, and you and Mark got me into both of them. So, thank you very much indeed, and I hope that more people can be introduced to them!

[@emilywilliams3237]

There are so many reasons to love Fridays, and these masterclass videos are definitely on the list! There are also so many reasons to love CtC, and these masterclass videos are definitely on the list! Thanks for going to the effort to do today's, Simon, despite being "on location." (And glad you were not interrupted by the housekeeping staff.)

[@marksmith1721]

Please keep the crosswords coming. I am in awe of how you do these. Never been able to get one answer yet. I’m in awe of the sudoku but can do my share or 2-3 star puzzles. All because of this channel….

[@risingxforce]

i love the crossword videos. they are the whole reason i found the channel.

[@d4r4butler74]

YT doesn't like the Crosswords because they are all about the Videos, not the Words. I love these videos. I don't know that I could get into solving on my own, but I love learning all the techniques. And every now and again getting a solution before Simon. Today it was "As If".

[@michaelmatter1222]

20A is actually 'Wrogn-doing" 😉

[@ngqld]

We look forward to these every week. Please keep posting them.

[@orosma868]

I'm surprised you even need to ask! Not only like these videos, I absolutely love them. They are the highlight of the week for me. Perhaps if a few more viewers could tap the like button you tube might realise what an absolute gem they have in their repertoire.

[@Antinomiste]

Literally my eyes widen with joy every time I see one of these videos come up

[@longwaytotipperary]

Thank you for continuing the Friday cryptic crossword masterclass wherever you are!!

[@SnugglesPlays]

Please don't stop doing these, it's helping me to do cryptics, and I'm definitely getting better. Maybe do less of the alternative sudokus? ❤🙂

[@musicisrubbish]

At some point during 'Lockdown' I went looking specifically for how to solve a cryptic crossword and found you guys once you'd started concentrating on Sudoku basically full time. D'Oh! But... This was fine, nay, great, and what a journey. Thank you. Your enthusiasm for all puzzles is enthralling, your throwaway mastery and comprehensive explanation compelling. On the subject of crossword solving, however, this Friday masterclass is the best source of knowledge that the internet has to offer, if not the only source. Please please keep sharing the dark secrets with us, humankind is so much brighter because of you.

[@BrianParente]

I don’t watch every sudoku vid, but I always watch the Friday cryptic crossword!

[@profregan6937]

The best thing by far on KZbin . Highlight of the week , every week!

[@listey]

So excited I got 2, 3 and 4 down before Simon 🥳 The fact I neither knew for sure they were the answers or why they were the answers is irrelevant as far as I'm concerned!

[@LogiBizzle]

Absolutely adore the crossword videos; I never thought I'd be able to complete a cryptic, and while I've still got a lot to learn, these videos are an invaluable resource for helping to reach that goal!

[@cakemonitor842]

The crossword videos are by far my favourite part of the channel. Please keep it up! I'd also like to see more walkthroughs of Listener crossword endgames!

[@arthurcharest9061]

Thanks for doing this on holiday!

[@louisesuth8141]

Oh i so look forward to these on a Friday - i need to find a way to help spread the word!

[@robmcinroy480]

I got completely stuck on a couple and when Simon explained them I was furious with myself for not spotting them. First one I haven't finished in a few weeks. Enjoyed this session, thanks.

[@Emmibean77]

These videos fascinate me! I look forward to them every week, and would miss them very much if you stopped making them. I hope you have a wonderful vacation!

[@stevebellhouse1869]

Commenting for the algorithm! These are the only ones I watch, I’m not bothered about sudoku. Please keep doing them!

[@andrewwhalley2814]

The British army corps (singular) is the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME)

[@auximenes]

The crossword solves are terrific. Please continue.

[@leegosling]

Got 4D straight off so was on tenterhooks until you made the correction. What a lovely way to spend half an hour. Thank you, sir.

[@radd1865]

I definitely appreciate the weekly crossword video a great deal! They're a highlight!

[@DevilboyScooby]

Time to nod sagely while taking Simon's word for everything! 😆

[@richardlyons7582]

Simon did find one of the hidden clues, in a cryptic crossword l was trying today "Narrow aperture found in Oslo tower" a few weeks ago I would have been stumped by this clue. Thank you for making cryptic crosswords a joy and not a head scratching exercise.

[@gregcovarr]

Just brilliant. I struggle so much with cryptic crossowrds but live in hope…

[@MirthFromPerth]

Love my Friday crossword. Thanks for taking the time out of your holiday for us.

[@jarvisa12345]

27:01 The REME is one British army corps: The Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

[@grenvillephillips6998]

Pretty tough and I was very grateful that Simon had told us about the meaning of neat, not so long ago.

[@Enkil01]

Love the Crossword Vids, look forward every Friday to these, with no preference, as both Simon or Marks Crossword Vids are great.

[@n8style]

love these cryptic crossword videos!

[@mbwun5]

I really do like these Friday crossword videos.

[@dizwell]

I got O'Connell before you (Daniel O'Connell, 1775-1847, known as "The Liberator", architect of Catholic Emancipation), but then proceeded (as usual!) to get absolutely nothing else 😅😅 I enjoy these Friday videos immensely. Cryptic crosswords had always been a mysterious, other language to me before you began demystifying them.

[@martinwilson5210]

Thoroughly enjoyed the solve, well done

[@oak3001]

Boo to the algorithm. I like these videos. It's a Friday delight 🙂

[@francesT5877]

Just a note: at least on my iPad it’s very difficult leaving comments and I think it’s because your channel guidelines tab. Since you probably want as many comments as possible you might ask YT to look into this if any one else is having problems. If any one else is having problems, click out of the video and go back in. I find that clicking on the agreement doesn’t work by itself. I really appreciate these I’m trying to get better at cryptics and can finish most days but today was difficult. I got a few answers before Simon but a lot I needed help with. Lots of fun.

[@HalcyonAcorn]

Boo to KZbin!!! These are great, enjoy watching them even if I can’t get the answers. I do like trying to work back the answer once Simon has got it!

[@mariusnafe26]

Used to watch all the sudoku videos, now I only watch the cryptic crosswords. Love the weekly schedule, Please keep them coming!

[@azrobbins01]

I love watching these!

[@Jonty340]

I love these videos. They got me started in the Times Crosswords which I now do each day.

[@steveblack1662]

Love these crossword items. You do them so well

[@StriderGW2]

I've been watching these videos since the beginning, and recently they have inspired me to make my own cryptic clues! Here is one for any readers who might be curious: entirely overheard by deity (4)

[@BritishBloke66]

Nice solve - thanks!

[@rockhopper_penguin]

I love these videos & I'm learning a lot as a newbie to cryptic crosswords. I do hope you'll keep them coming. Thank you!

[@philipbrooks402]

Another wonderful solving journey from Simon.

[@limegreenelevator]

Another fun Friday solve as always! A pleasure to solve alongside a master.

[@iradesignr]

Ahh the classic camera facing the window ploy, 😂 stunning solving as always, a great series thanks

[@Alicia-rh3wv]

good morning!

[@longwaytotipperary]

👋 Alicia!

[@Zedgoatredux]

Great video as usual!

[@5t757]

+1 comment for the algorithm, keep the crosswords coming please!

[@Maenamburi1]

Very enjoyable. I felt smug about the Conrad/Conran confusion but about very little else!

[@andrewjanssen8663]

When 15 Down got solved, I was a bit surprised that in the UK, “cantaloupe” doesn’t rhyme with “antelope”.

[@MarcMcMillin]

It's FriYay!!! 🙂

[@plusjeremy]

I think cryptic crosswords are the greatest celebration of the wilderness that is the English language. Wordplay is obviously not exclusive to English but we do seem to take it to extremes, and we're helped in this by the living influence of so many other languages on ours: French, German, Dutch, etc. If someday we standardize (standardise?) English spelling, the cryptic crossword will be dead. Embrace it while we can!

[@perman17]

It's a shame that the crossword vids don't seem to perform as well. I've been trying to get into cryptic crosswords, and this series has been a massive help. Even if our numbers are small, please be assured your efforts are much appreciated! Although I completely understand why you decided to tackle the Friday puzzles in The Times, perhaps picking some other puzzles that are more accessible would help? The Independent puzzles (for example) are free for anyone to access, and a wee bit less "stuffy" than the Times. Likewise for The Guardian. If we were to get a second weekly crossword video (and I hope we do, although I understand why it might not happen), picking one of these puzzles that viewers can play without buying a subscription might just help to improve viewership?

[@secretjimbo]

Thanks

[@CrackingTheCryptic]

Much appreciate secretjimbo, thank you!

[@moocowpong1]

I loved Algarve

[@richardlyons7582]

Never liked cryptic crosswords, as could never understand how the words were formed. But since watch the Friday shows I've started to understand the logic surrounding the answers. Just need the practice on easers crossword and build up the cryptic knowledge.

[@Raven-Creations]

I keep forgetting to like the crossword videos. I'll try to make a point of clicking like to help the algorithm from now on. There were some nice clues in this. I liked the elegant simplicity of horse-drawn and amused. This contrasts with the rather convoluted cantaloupe. I'm not a fan of such clues, because you have to know the answer before you can figure out the wordplay. There's no way that you could have used to the wordplay to get the answer. I think you should always be able to attack a clue from both ends. I'm not saying this was wrong, it just gets marks knocked off. Prompted by 21D, I came up with a clue for anyone to try: Court ruling involving drug ships with prostitution aboard (7-4).

[@lazarminion2590]

i always thought crosswords where an easy game. i had no idea they were this complicated and hard lol

[@steveunderwood3683]

He gets trespasser quickly, but struggles with the very obvious horse-drawn? Weird how the mind works.

[@royston1928]

👍

[@18Wolves77]

I can think of a few words for UEFA....

[@counterburn1216]

I don’t have the kind of word brain to do these myself, but I want to see more of them. KZbin Algorithm, take my engagement

[@vinyl1Earthlink]

I made a mess of this one, struggling for over an hour, and not seeing the obvious hidden. But I did put manage to put in Conrad, where so many solvers tried Conran. Simon's solves are skewing the Friday SNITCH a bit, since when he solves for video he takes much longer than usual. His time today was 225% of his normal time. PS - The Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers are a single corps.

[@sbeverls]

Hello Simon. I very much enjoy your cryptic crossword videos and have learnt a great deal. I took your advice and went on eBay to buy a Collins dictionary disk. I cannot get it to run, it doesn't have any executable files on it. Does it need to be opened with another file? It mentions word perfect but that was beyond me. Any tips would be appreciated. Cheers Steve

[@Shif80]

Two things. Simon, please film facing the window next time…! And does anyone know why “rounds” is that type of action in one of the later solved clues….

[@uncluckable6535]

🧠

[@b3z3jm3nny]

Can someone explain why {One's} is AM in 29A? I could see how {One's} could be IAM or IM, but not just AM. Thanks!

[@archivist17]

Not sure why, but this seems out of focus on my mobile, so hard to follow 😞

[@Squishy3757]

I’ve come to like you solving the cryptic crosswords, as absurd as they are. Being in the US I can’t appreciate the British bent of them.

[@nightwishlover8913]

Great stuff! Just one nitpick: GOLF IS NOT A VERB! One PLAYS GOLF. One DOES NOT GOLF.

[@SomeRandomGuyOnYouTube]

All recognised dictionaries disagree with you, I'm afraid

[@nightwishlover8913]

@@SomeRandomGuyOnKZbin Don't be afraid - I'm tennising later...