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Operation Myops

11 September, 2012

Let’s see how this Storm goes. It may be short-sighted, but we have enough Dabblers in the loop to have some fun here.

As mentioned, I own a new book of Telegraph crosswords, including the work of Myops, among their sneakier setters. His real name is John McKie, a crafty Glaswegian clue-monger.

But – and here’s the experiment – I’ve peeked at a Myops solution (without ever seeing the clues), and handpicked five words for us to clue. Big question being: can we better the illustrious Scot? Pick a Scottish alias and give these five words a whirl.

Come Thursday, 9pm, present your best five, one clue per word. We then vote for the best per word (3 points), plus two near misses (2 points) across the flock, making just 7 votes in total. I will draft a shortlist, and then couch each zinger against the revealed work of Mr Myops. And see if we shine, or the Scot bags the lot… So, your words, Bravehearts:

DASH
BARREL
TALISMAN
MIRACULOUS
CONFIDENTIALLY

Provide word and clue (plus wordplay notes) to keep things clear. And feel free to pass advice, or offer alternatives to another’s work if you see a good chance. Most important: have fun wee laddies and lassies.

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If you missed my riddle chat with Richard Fidler, then feel free to slurp the podcast at http://ab.co/1I9t1x5

Text-speak is creeping into Scrabble. Where do you sit?
OBVS I'm fine with it
Entrenched stuff - like LOL and OMG - but no more.
Words With Friends, maybe. Scrabble, no
Let the 'real' dictionaries decide first
Just the handy stuff, like FAQ and EUW
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