Perplexity

Mixed doubles: The following sentence hides this week's three answers, connected by a single theme:

Pips upon suit indicate Maine hammer.

To find the answers, all you need do is group the words into three pairs, then rearrange the letters within each pair.

A Larousse Desk Reference Encyclopedia awaits a correct solution. Entries, by 14 March, to: Saturday Pastimes, the Independent, 1 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5DL.

17 February Perplexity:

The answer, supplied by John Dawson, was as follows: If you spell out ACE, then TWO, THREE etc, each time counting off one card for each letter, putting them to the bottom of the pack, and revealing the next card, the process will order the pack. (Full details on request).