Perplexity

The 10 "26 L of the A" (Letters of the Alphabet) teasers we set a fortnight ago proved a difficult set, though several entrants showed admirable ingenuity when they couldn't think of the right answers. We have been as generous as possible in accepting alternatives to our intended solutions, which were as follows:

1 Atomic Number of Hydrogen.

2 Fingers in a Rude Gesture (or Fifteens in a Rugby Game).

3 Bowls of Porridge Goldilocks Tasted. 4 Fingers on a Hand (Excluding the Thumb). 5 O'clock Shadow. 6 Geese a-Laying. 7 Points for Potting a Black in Snooker. 8 Ranks on a Chess Board. 9 Tailors of Dorothy L Sayers. 10 Toes on Your Feet.

The winner is Peter B Dodson (Draycott, Derby). Now try these:

11 O W by B H

12 L of H

13 C in a S

14 D in a F

15 R B in S

16 O in a P

17 S in a H

18 F K N L

19 T T D

20 N O a D B

The first correct set of answers (or the best attempt) opened on 5 February will win a copy of the new Chambers 21st Century Dictionary. Answers to: Perplexity, The Independent, 1 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5DL.