Crossword

2210: Game theory

Four unclued lights can be arranged to form an eight-word excerpt from a quotation (in ODQ). One of these lights provides a cryptic indication of each of the other unclued lights. Each of thirteen clues comprises a definition and a hidden consecutive jumble of the answer including one extra letter; the extras spell the name

2209: Safe-blowers

The unclued lights (two of two words) are to be linked with one of the clued lights in translation. All resulting phrases, one doubly hyphened, can be confirmed in Chambers or Brewer.   Across   1    Roots out – the meal is ready (7, two words) 6    Hood cleans out, applying pressure (7,

2208: Mort

Two words form the name of a fictional 28, described by his creator as a ‘22A/31/26’. Remaining across unclued lights are associated with the first word and down ones with the second. Elsewhere, ignore an accent.   Across   1    Jackanapes swimming away from Jamaica belly-flops (8) 6    Taxmen laugh at seventy retired coppers (6)

2207: An unusual angle

In six answers the wordplay ignores an item. These items (two of them identical) are not listed as specific 27 of 22 in Chambers, unlike the other unclued entries.   Across   1    Extra thin pins cleaned up with this? (5) 6    One that’ll teach you a measure of warmth (8) 12   

2206: Landslip

Four of the unclued lights (one of two words) and an unclued pair are of a kind, and can become the remaining unclued lights, including a pair.   Across   1    This song of praise would become heathen with a change of note (5) 6    Failure of old skinflint at university (7, hyphened) 11

2205: In shape

The unclued lights (including one of three words, one of two words, and one hyphened) form two thematic groups in the grid. They consist of a theme word, four lights which it defines in one sense, and three which it defines in another. A fourth example of this latter group, part of an unclued light,

2204: Security

In nine clues, cryptic indications omit reference to parts of answers; these parts must be highlighted, to reveal a definition applicable to each of the five members of the perimeter cordon, reading clockwise, and two unclued lights. Letters in corner squares and those adjacent to them could make TEAM NEAR GAPS. Two of the perimeter’s

2203: Peeping Toms

The unclued lights are of a kind; the ones Across are one theme, and those Down (one of two words) on another related theme. Solvers must highlight another ‘Down’ theme-word hidden diagonally in the final grid.   Across   1    Patching tatty topper for bed (8) 12    Triumphant delight returning pie to roofless depot

2202: Problem XI

Seven unclued lights (one hyphened) are 23: 7A + 17 + 40 + 5 + 6 + 31 = 36. Ignore one accent. Elsewhere, ignore an apostrophe and two accents.   Across   1    Half per cent off haircut (11, two words) 11    Girl crafty in conversation (6) 13    Lunatic ran through crazy Swiss town

2201: Facility

In each of eleven clues there is an added letter in the definition part. These letters, in clue order, spell two words, each of which is a definition of an unclued light. The lights in question, as synonymous terms, indicate the way in which the other unclued lights are supplied. Two unclued lights consist of

2200

The unclued Down lights (individually or as a pair) are of a kind in short, as are the unclued Across lights (one of two words) all paired. In short together, they reveal the title of this puzzle.   Across   1    Chap on a demo who is on the boundary (8) 10    Exaggerated

2199: TV Comedy

Fourteen solutions begin with the same letter as their clues. These letters in order are the initial letters of the twelve words of a 2014 quotation and the two initials of its author. The unclued lights reveal this quotation in full and the author’s name.   Across   1    This reflex conceals what ends up

2198: Tuck in

Each of sixteen clues contains one misprinted letter in the definition part. Corrections of misprints spell the name (three words) of a 1A, contents of which are given by five unclued lights (including two as a pair). The 1A’s name also describes the location in the grid of its contents in relation to two other

2197: Missing

Chambers 2014 is certainly not recommended this week theme-wise! But Chambers 2011 is.   Across   1    Cuckoo born to South Australian ox that’s extinct (12) 10    Lure cut according in arty style (4) 14    Some old film category starts from next year (3) 15    Selfish actions making priest go mad

2196: Diverse

Round the perimeter clockwise goes a place (6) followed by a description of it (10 words, one hyphened) by one of the unclued lights (two words). This description appears in its original language and can be confirmed in its full form in the ODQ. Remaining unclued lights, singly or combined, present five thematic objects which

2195: In question

Each clue contains a superfluous word. When these words are put in sequence according to alphabetical order of answers to clues, initial letters of thirty-three of them spell two 4D made famous by a certain person. Remaining words in the sequence form another of the 4D used by the person in question. The first of

2194: Joe Green

The unclued lights (one of three words and two of two words), individually or as a pair, are of a kind.   Across   5    Bit of tiffin is hardly perfect (6) 12    Fail to see active service (5) 13    Waistcoat cloth that’s not in ablutions (8) 16    Beer mug in

2193: Celebration II

Clockwise round the grid from 31 run the titles of four works (6,3,5,7,5.1,5,7,8,5) associated with a 21 and 25A born 16 years ago. The twenty corner letters produce LIVELY ELEMENTAL ARIAS. Solvers must shade the three clued lights that combine to form the 21’s name (two words). Elsewhere, ignore an apostrophe and two accents.  

2192: Never again

Eight unclued lights are of a kind; as is, fancifully, the ninth. Across 6    Hurry up to fill space with one big cup (6) 12    Ape, given exercise to open fish, discarded skin (10, two words) 13    I agree Spain is rarely pleasant (5) 15    Unable to move furniture? Sure (10) 16    Witter about horse

Anagram Pie Christmas double puzzle

A first prize of £100, three prizes of £25 and six further prizes of the Chambers Book of Great Speeches (hardback) will be awarded for the first correct solutions opened. The first four prizewinners will, in addition, each receive a bottle of champagne. Entries to: Christmas Crossword, The Spectator, 22 Old Queen Street, London SW1H 9HP by