To Play Fair or Not - Apex ______________

Definition only clues to words in each row and in each column are given in the correct order and stand side by side without overlapping. Letters entered in the shaded squares of the unclued perimeter (clockwise followed by the central row) complete the title of the puzzle. From the completed diagram, solvers should transfer - (a) words in the perimeter and central row, (b) the unclued words, (c) letters in shaded squares and (d) some letters in numbered or asterisked squares - to their allocated places below the diagram. Chambers (1993) Dictionary is recommended.

For solvers wishing, like Apex, to PLAY FAIR, the letters of the unclued words (lengths (3),(5),(8), in that order) equal BN.ZK.VU.BS.DG.TZ.FS.LG. according to a code-square with key-words which have to be discovered. Using the code-square (with I = I and J) solvers should decode:-
NC.QL.MT.MY.YA.NC.FW.NC.ZT.AY.MY.YA.YW.
ZP.LG.WF.NC.VF.TZ.BK.IG.YD.NI.MY.YA.SQ.SH
and enter the words (in the correct order) and the key-words in their allocated places.

Across rows

1 Of the dawn of Lebanon trees? (4:6)
2 (5): Shanty (5)
3 "Make a choice", Japanese swimmer murmurs softly (3:3:4)
4 Money once cast in Scotland (5:5)
5 An ounce of Chinese breakfast food? (4:6)
6 (3):Loaded dice (7)
7 According to nature, a palm refusal (2:6:2)
8 Scottish enclosure Filipinos flog (3:4:3)
Down columns

9 Sir Walter's cape - is used to alert French elder (4:2:5)
10 To disfigure a doorkeeper - a sprayer? (3:5:3)
11 Once in the country, come together to smoke (4:3:4)
12 Some stars prize work (6:3:2)
13 To be examined again - Indian tree pictures? (5:3:3)
14 Old English letter (3) : (8)
15 Cry of the innocent border demigod (3:4:4)
16 A musical direction, my child! (4,7)

Apex writes - It seems to me that a puzzle of this type can satisfy two groups of solvers - those who cannot cope with PLAYFAIR, and those who can.

Apex ______________

Key-words:- ________________________________

**	_______________	_______________
	Perimeter
*	_______________	_______________
15	_______________	_______________
*	_______________	_______________
13	_______________	_______________
8	_______________	_______________
10	_______________	_______________
9	_______________	_______________
16	_______________	_______________