| Comments on the competition |
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| 1. |
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| Rather too many changing PRESS or PRESIDENT to PRIMARIES. I've opted for those that gave a plausible reading in both the original and the adapted version and fitted IMARI between two words. |
| 2. |
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| Plenty of topical ones on the US primaries, but too few of them had anything engaging in the devilled versions. |
| 3. |
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| On the whole, and perhaps unsurprisingly, the best surfaces belonged to the 'primaries' clues, but they were hard to choose between. Of the rest, many sacrificed the undevilled reading for fluency in the clue, a cardinal sin in my book – the solver needs to make sense, not nonsense, of the clue by solving it. The few clues that found an original approach, a fluent undevilled reading, and ideally a nice shift of meaning, particularly Weimar and the Rio Olympics, were my candidates for points. |
| 4. |
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| No. 57 wins it for topicality combined with a nice 'shifting along'. Then 16 provides another pleasing topical reference using 'pressure' (which I used myself). No.4 was surprisingly the only 'Lima riot' clue (which was my own first idea)and slots in as my third choice. 37 and 20 slip in for the final places. A number of clues unfortunately make little sense in both devilled and undevilled versions, and clues that need to be accompanied by pleading essays rarely impress. |
| 5. |
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| Quite a few good ones. A very high proportion of clues used 'primaries' with interesting surfaces, but might prove to be a double edged sword now, either proving uncompetitive or getting points split. A couple of good ones using the 'clanger / ringer' combo. |
| 6. |
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| *imari* in TEA gives PRIMARILY and PRIMARIES, so I discounted clues base on these, except for the best 57. |
| 7. |
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It was quite difficult to pick potential winners because there are no really outstanding candidates, perhaps a reflection of the limited options for hiding IMARI. The best devilry results in a a complete change of meaning or at least a striking change at some point in the clue. Unfortunately almost all of the PRIMARIES clues fail in this respect because there is little or no contrast in subject matter or tone between the undevilled and the devilled versions, though many of them have smooth and plausible surfaces in both versions. Only 9 and 46 have devilled versions that are significantly different from the full versions. Among the rest, 16,37 and 57 have the smoothest surfaces in both versions, but the closeness of meaning rules them out as major contenders.
Several of the clues based around CLAIM have potential, but simply starting with ‘Claim’ as a verb does not make for a very smooth sentence (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) and reads more like a conventional clue. Clues that exhibit an attempt to create a more natural sentence are more successful — 5, 7, 43.
In some cases the sense of the undevilled version is unnatural, bizarre or verging on nonsense (13, 14, 33, 49, 52, 55) so that a solver would have difficulty in solving the clue, or being sure that he/she had solved it.
Several clues display the weakness of a gap before or after the clued word, either before or after its removal: 1, 3, 23, 26, 31, 44, 45, 48, 55. This might be overlooked if there are compensating strengths, but that was not the case in these examples. |
| 8. |
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It is far from easy to produce satisfactory PD clues, as the (to my mind) rather lacklustre example frequently used for these competitions perhaps suggests. If the exercise is to have any point at all, it is surely essential
(a) that the undevilled version should have a credible and reasonably idiomatic surface
and
(b) that the devilling should produce both plausible sense and a significant[ change in meaning (and preferably in a startling or amusing way)
and desirable that the devilled version too should be reasonably idiomatic – at least by the standards of, say, newspaper headlines or telegraphese. In any case, if one of the two versions is to be slightly less credible and idiomatic, it should always be the devilled version.
After all, there would hardly be much “devilry” in a printer’s omitting a few letters from a passage, but producing a form of words that says very much the same thing.
Unfortunately, the great majority of clues on offer this month fail to satisfy either (a) or (b) above or both. For instance, while 22 does very well with respect to (b), it is hard to imagine a context in which anyone would say or write the sentence in the undevilled version; 27 is a much better take on the same idea, even if Oslo does look a bit out of place in a list with two South American cities. On the other hand, most of the many clues referring to the U.S. Presidential election produce devilled versions that offer very little or no contrast with the undevilled ones. In other cases – eg, 17, 49, 52 – there is a reasonable contrast between the two versions, but it is the undevilled one that fails the credibility test by being unidiomatic – and, in two of these cases, almost nonsensical.
I'm afraid that that there were very few clues that I felt deserved points. |
| Comments on the clues |
|---|
| 1. A miniskirt for a little old lady. |
| 1. | Undevilled reading should at least be grammatical. | | 2. | A little old lady could be named anything – why Maria? | | 3. | It fails in so many ways e.g. 1. "for I" 2. Not split in middle of word 3. Makes no real sense | | 4. | No split in any word, just an insertion, bit too easy | | 5. | Gap not closed after removal of IMARI. Nothing in devilled version to guide solver to bland and ungrammatical full version. |
|
| 2. Anna hoped it was hot in bed. |
| 1. | Syntax needs to "flow through" the solution to give the solver a fair chance. If Fifty Shades, it's "Ana" according to Wikipedia. | | 2. | I quite like this, but I'm puzzled by the choice of Anna | | 3. | There's nothing in the devilled version to help the solver arrive at the rather bland full version. |
|
| 3. Anti US maniac, a strong leader |
| 1. | Using I'm as a standalone is a bit weak | | 2. | Reasonable contrast between the two versions but the full version is rather strained, and the gap hasn't been closed. |
|
| 4. As per US generals: fight lots, force their capitulation |
| 1. | A sound clue. The devilled 'Peru's' is a helpful aid to the solver, though the devilled version is rather strained. |
|
| 6. Blind or mask not appreciated by some people |
| 1. | Neither version makes a lot of sense. |
|
| 7. Bookies clanger reported in the paddock – all bets void on the illegal horse (5) |
| 1. | Plaudits for wording the clue to give the solver a fair chance (unlike the other clanger clues), but the devilled statement is not startling | | 2. | Nicely done, but too much extra stuff added on? 'Bookies' in the devilled version should be possessive? | | 3. | There should be an apostrophe after 'Bookies' in the undevilled version. Otherwise sound. | | 4. | Best of the 'clanger' bunch, if a little verbose. |
|
| 8. Bull doesn't satisfy archer, for hog (old) is the target |
| 1. | Surface not appealing | | 2. | Decent contrast, though the devilled version is rather forced. |
|
| 9. Can't rump survive the pressure? |
| 1. | The only prIMARIes clue that works as a PD clue should | | 2. | This trumps the rest of the pr/imari/es ones. | | 3. | Quite an amusing contrast, one of the few 'primaries' clues with a marked difference between the two versions. |
|
| 10. Caucuses and preselections determine the US presidential candidates. |
| 1. | The phrase 'primaries' elections' appears forced |
|
| 11. Clanger enabled opposition to score winning goal |
| 1. | Quite neat, though the devilled version has a better surface than the undevilled one. A word before 'Claim would improve the latter. |
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| 12. Clanging sound is produced by bell made of porcelain |
| 1. | Both versions are rather similar. Undevilled version reads awkwardly. |
|
| 13. Clap ebony fish |
| 1. | It makes no sense at all, but it made me laugh! | | 2. | Doesn't mean much in either version | | 3. | Neither version makes much sense. |
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| 14. Clap off, clap on switch is notable device |
| 1. | What is a clap on a switch? | | 2. | Surface not so great | | 3. | Neither version makes much sense |
|
| 15. Clapped-out page damaged book. |
| 1. | The two versions are very similar. |
|
| 16. Clinton unfazed by pressure to win nomination |
| 1. | Reads beautifully but like all the 'primaries' clues bar one, there is little or no difference between the devilled and undevilled statement | | 2. | Neat with convincing surfaces, but both are rather similar. |
|
| 17. Defeat in Europe caused Wenger many a crisis |
| 1. | Nice idea but undevilled version a bit clumsy. | | 2. | Nice idea but the undevilled version seems a bit clunky. | | 3. | Easily the best of a largely uninspired bunch | | 4. | Very sound with a clear contrast in the subject-matter of each version, and convincing surfaces — the neatest clue. |
|
| 18. Dismay as Republican voters in US press elect Trump |
| 1. | Both versions are very similar; further devilry with Trump could have improved it. |
|
| 19. Donald Trump – Republican favourite for US Pres. |
| 1. | The two versions are very similar, and the abbreviation,'Pres' is an added weakness. |
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| 20. Far-right Republican wouldn't say in press how goodness trumps evil |
| 1. | Not good surface reading | | 2. | 'primaries show' spoils this somewhat | | 3. | Clue shows an attempt to create some contrast within the election theme, but the undevilled version reads awkwardly. |
|
| 21. For the fellowship C. Lang is evil. |
| 1. | Any connection between C.Lang and fellowship? | | 2. | Who is this fellowship C. Lang? | | 3. | Neither makes much sense, and a clause rather than a main sentence is a weakness in the full version. |
|
| 22. Going to loo, Roman is desperate |
| 1. | Why? | | 2. | Good contrast but the full version has an unconvincing surface and therefore difficult for the solver to work out. |
|
| 23. Goth Death is base |
| 1. | Nice PD but needs an introductory phrase (context for 'ride at his base') to let the solver work it out, then know it's correct. | | 2. | Both versions are pretty meaningless. I don't know how a solver would solve this. | | 3. | Undevilled statement is meaningless and would be a difficult and not very satisfying solve |
|
| 24. His objective was to seize control of the divan, but he had first to deal with a zareba of howling tots |
| 1. | Witty and amusing (not sure a zareba of timariots is historically accurate) | | 2. | Top marks for the most contrived clue! | | 3. | A merit for the gratuitous use of 'timariots' | | 4. | Crikey! | | 5. | Original, with witty double meaning of divan, though the obscure vocabulary would make it difficult to solve. |
|
| 26. I see, cherub sings pectacularly on wings. |
| 1. | The devilled version doesn't seem to convey anything | | 2. | The gap hasn't been closed, and the sense of the devilled version suffers from a non-standard word. |
|
| 27. In my opinion, loos look quite clean and hygienic. |
| 1. | The UD surface not so appealing | | 2. | Clear contrast in subject-matter, but the devilled version has a far smoother surface than the undevilled one. |
|
| 28. In US preselected good politicians |
| 1. | Why good? | | 2. | This would read better without 'in' | | 3. | Unfortunately there are many other 'primaries' better constructed | | 4. | Rather similar, and neither version reads well. |
|
| 29. Is intending to ask if rifle's faulty. |
|
| 30. It's a bit crazy when chap lines capes we found hot |
| 1. | 0.5 – a shame – the devilled version is nonsense. | | 2. | Lovely clue with two quite different versions. | | 3. | Surface of devilled version appears contrived |
|
| 31. Laser is useful to a flea trapper. |
| 1. | Must be a good laser to hit a flea! | | 2. | Gap has not been closed at the beginning. Surface of undevilled version is unconvincing. |
|
| 32. Lotto stops cams in shops |
| 1. | Needs a hint to the undevilled version really. | | 2. | There's nothing in the devilled version to help solvers arrive at the bland and fairly meaningless full version. |
|
| 33. Opportunity to wipe out doodlebugs in a well? Prepare DDT |
| 1. | The surface of the undevilled version is awkward and ungrammatical. Abbreviation ('DT') is a weakness. |
|
| 34. Our singing has satisfied the choirmaster |
| 1. | Isn't 'him' redundant here? | | 2. | Very nice, and worth a point or two, but the two versions are too similar really. | | 3. | Sound, but there's not a marked contrast. The devilled version is bland rather than a source of surprise. |
|
| 35. Republican Party pressure to select dreadful candidate |
| 1. | Both versions very similar. |
|
| 36. Republican press end up with Trump looking clever |
| 1. | Not the best of the 'primaries' |
|
| 37. Republican press: "How Trump is going to win" |
| 1. | Extremely good readings in both versions, but no really devilish change of meaning. | | 2. | The extra devilry makes this one of the better 'primaries' clues. | | 3. | 'may win' might have been better? |
|
| 38. Runners show off Ireland shop lace. |
| 1. | Very good for the fluency of both versions and the fact that every word is reinterpreted | | 2. | One of the better clues, with good contrast of subject-matter, though the devilled version's scenario is a bit implausible. |
|
| 39. School swot seeing Miss with lesson showing more than enough |
| 1. | I don't get the undevilled version – 'school swim a riot'? | | 2. | Fun but a bit clumsy | | 3. | Good contrast, though it needed some polishing to achieve more natural surfaces in both versions. |
|
| 40. Seeing man in stocks, ape tomato-throwing to punish him |
| 1. | Surface not very appealing | | 2. | The two versions are very similar. |
|
| 41. She could easily see trouble of father who tended peacefully |
| 1. | Clever but a little contrived? | | 2. | Nice, though '(see) trouble off' grammatically dubious | | 3. | Interesting devilry and good contrast, but the sense of the both version is unclear, particularly the devilled one. |
|
| 42. South American trip includes loan dalliances, with interest in gold bars! |
| 1. | 'alliances' lets it down a bit, but otherwise excellent | | 2. | Lovely from someone who knows what is required. | | 3. | The effective contrast deserves some merit, but the sense of both versions is a bit strained. |
|
| 44. Sweet peach pie, eyed by stander who is totally loaded. |
| 1. | Using I'm as a standalone unlikely to result in a podium finish | | 2. | The undevilled version is rather strained and unnatural. | | 3. | Clever with double meaning for "loaded": rich and pie-eyed. |
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| 45. The jilted female soldier stoops to a flea (the Rex’s backside) |
| 1. | The gap has not been closed, and the devilled version makes little sense. |
|
| 46. The present era's crappy terminus |
| 1. | Nice rearrangement of words, but surface reading suffers. | | 2. | One of the few 'primaries' clues with a pronounced contrast in the two versions, but the devilled version is meaningless and unhelpful. |
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| 47. The press "elect" their favorite candidate. |
| 1. | 'favourite' is spelt wrong | | 2. | The best of the many "primaries" and well explained. |
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| 48. Think carefully around meddler |
| 1. | Using 'I'm' as a standalone a bit too easy | | 2. | Concise, with unusual container and hint to the full version, though a bit plain. Gap not closed in undevilled version. |
|
| 49. Tiger Woods to polish swing with Couples |
| 1. | Blimey! | | 2. | The undevilled version is convoluted and nonsensical. I don't know how a solver would solve the clue. |
|
| 50. To discover the biggest city in Peru visit Lois in Brazil |
| 1. | The undevilled version has an unnatural and unconvincing surface. |
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| 51. Trump for U.S. President! His chances? |
| 1. | The anonymous 'I' makes the sense of the second sentence rather unclear. |
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| 52. Under pressure to perform? Don't worry, she will. |
| 1. | The undevilled version makes little sense, therefore hard to solve; the devilled version is far smoother. |
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| 53. Well-bred Pisces spots trespassing by dubious Scorpio |
| 1. | Impossible to solve | | 2. | 'Trespassing' is neat, but it's been achieved at the expense of the full version, an unlikely sentence. |
|
| 54. Wenger many fans of high culture will appreciate |
| 1. | Slightly marred by the strained word order. | | 2. | Neither surface reads very well. |
|
| 55. What an ugly male; yet a chichi MP. |
| 1. | Terrific and oddly believable explanation. | | 2. | Remember, solvers need to solve the clue. | | 3. | A point for the laugh :) | | 4. | Is there something called a 'yeti mariachi chimp'? | | 5. | Points for humour. | | 6. | Despite the clue-writer's assurance, I have been unable to verify 'yeti mariachi chimp' as anything but nonsense. |
|
| 56. When a beggar came by pub, in I ran – I dropped half or a pint |
| 1. | It made me smile! | | 2. | I don't think Iran is the most likely setting for this scenario! | | 3. | Pubs in Iran? | | 4. | Very sound clue that benefits from an unusual container and some extra devilry. |
|
| 57. Who will prevail as president if your party's favourite? |
| 1. | Good use of 'president/identify' |
|
