Crossword Help Forum
Forum Rules

I found that after following the instructions in the deciphered cryptic clue, another operation was required which identified matched pairs in the sets, but there were also one or two unmatched other pairs. Unfortunately for me this did not resolve the three possible solutions for 7 down. So maybe the other operation was incorrect? Did anyone else find three solutions for 7 down? If so did you resolve it before or after deciphering the cryptic clue. If it was after it means the second operatio was incorrect. Thanks.

The choice for 7d is determined by the pairing method.

ByronK, I suspect that you and I have done the same thing. I can't see that it's wrong, and I can't see what else to do.

My conclusion is that the pairs are "X" and "Not X". My entry for 7D enables Set 7 to be split that way, too.

iratus #20 and smellyharry #36 should get you there. Once the clue is resolved and the instruction followed the arithmetic is simple.

Thanks - based on the X and Not X I was able to eliminate only one of the three solutions to 7 down. The other two had the same value! So which one to enter in the grid? I can't think of anything other operation to identify the matched pairs.

ByronK, I was puzzled at first, too, because I was looking at relationships between the numbers in a set before applying the instruction. If you apply the instruction to each number in a set, you should then see a connection between pairs of the resulting numbers. Assuming you have the grid entries correct, I suggest you look at set 2, as its numbers are smallest. Once you have the connection, you can apply it to set 7 to find 7 down. There is no need to look at the other sets except for the satisfaction of seeing that the procedure is correct. I hope this solves the problem.

Oops, ByronK. I had found a 7D that met the set total rule. When it also fitted into my X / Not X test, I was happy. Never looked for the other two possibilities. Sorry!

I have applied the instruction (per my resolution of the message) to every entry. Apart from the operation that we have found, nothing jumps out at me.

So, Barnacle #64, please don't point me at comments that say it's obvious.

Elap, I have no doubt that your trick is very clever, but at this stage it's a GWIT and unfair. I hope to change my mind!

The set-total rule gives three possibilities for 7d which fit the checked digit. Only one of them satisfies the pairing rule, or comes anywhere near it.

Alternatively, the pairing rule gives 7d without needing to consider the other information.

I thought it was really neat the way the puzzle left 7d ambiguous until you figured the final rule/relationship.