What’s the solution? Join the great Metro crossword debate and have your say

Are you puzzled or loving our new crossword? Let us know in our poll below. (Picture: Getty/Metro)

It’s been one of the most debated topics in MetroTalk mailbag history.

Not Brexit, not Trump, not even what should happen to people who don’t take their rucksacks off when they board the train. No, it’s our new Quick Crossword.

After relaunching it on November 11, we got exasperated comments that it was too hard. That it was getting you down. We printed some on these pages and started talking to the compiler about making it a bit less tricksy.

But then others wrote in to defend the new version, that you were across it and enjoying the enhanced mental workout. So, what to do? What is the solution?

Should it stay (tricky) or should it go (back to how it was)? Or should it be somewhere in between? We are here and we will listen. Let us know in the comments and by voting in the poll below.

Is the crossword too tricky? Here’s what you have been saying:

Just three of the frustrated but loyal crossworders who wrote into Metro this week (Picture: Steve Summers)

‘Despair and torment’
We’re 3 avid metro crossworders. We do the ‘Quick Crossword’ everyday. However, it appears to have changed or should I say got harder! Why? It’s now also different from the online quick crossword where it was the same.Unfortunately our quick win to the start of our day has turned into torment & despair! Please can you revert back so we can start the day with a win. 3 Frustrated Loyal Crossworders via Email

‘Enough is enough’
Dear Metro, On behalf of the Crossword Association of Metro Readers, today marks the two weeks of suffering and feeling like a dummy, staring at your new crossword with no idea how to fill it in.
We breezed through the old crossword and finished it at an average of ten to 15 minutes with a perfect score and so starting our day feeling like a genius with so much pride. We would like to let you know that enough is enough and we demand the old crossword back. We want it back this coming Monday. Just to let you know, some of our members own tractors, too. Ersire, London

‘Wishy washy quiz’
I can no longer contain my ire at what you have done to the ‘quick’ crossword. This is no longer a crossword nor is it quick. This used to be a nice distraction for my colleagues and me in our short lunch break before heading back to toil. Now it has become a quiz with wishy-washy clues and ridiculously difficult questions – atomic number of germanium, hello?!
Please restore what we had come to know and love, not this weirdness. Becky B, Derby, And The Rest Of The NHS

‘Everyone has the right to a morning crossword’
English is not my first language and almost completing the quick crossword a few days a week made me proud of my understanding of it.
All changed with the new version – so difficult! Please be inclusive – immigrants have the right to a morning crossword, too. Stella, vie email

‘Not so “quick” anymore’
I totally agree with everything others are saying about the ‘quick’ crossword. I used to do it on my 20-minute commute but no more – the clues are so cryptic. Not one to complain, I have taken to doing the Sudoku instead, but you should really listen to your readers and go back to the original format. Claire, Crayford

‘The final straw’
May I add my name to the growing list of people annoyed by the recent changes to the so-called ‘quick’ crossword?
My main reason for reading Metro, after the news articles, is the quick crossword but it has become far too complex.
The final straw was Tuesday’s ridiculous clue of ‘Neuter reflexive pronoun’. What? Is the crossword setter trying to tell us how clever he/she is? Just go back to the old one in the name of my sanity, please. Steve, Leeds

‘Anger-inducing brain ache’
For the love of all that is good in the world, please go back to the old format! Why have you made a quick brain-teaser into a cryptic, anger-inducing brain ache? Two Sheds, via email

‘My morning commute ruined’
You have managed to ruin my morning commute! I love doing your crossword on the way to work, and on my WFH days I walk to the station so I can get your paper and do the crossword.
Well, since you have updated the page, I have found the clues very difficult and frustrating and can complete only maybe 15 per cent, whereas before I was able to complete at least 75 per cent. Vicky, via email

Some readers are enjoying the challenge

The new tougher format is really testing readers (Credits: Getty Images)

‘Makes you think’
The new quick crossword makes us think rather than remember answers to oft very familiar clues. Keep up the hard work. Well done! Nita, Ealing

‘I have to use my brain’
I used to find the old quick crossword a simple admin exercise, so am much preferring the new format, where I have to use my brain.
And I’m not just saying this because my cousin is the Editor. Matt Arthurs, Orpington
(Hi, Matt, and thanks – Ed)

‘Brain-sharpener’
It’s great to have a harder version of the quick crossword. Friends and myself are enjoying the challenge. To those who don’t like it, enjoy the brain-sharpener! Gillian, Coventry

‘Loving the Metro puzzles double page’
I am really enjoying the new Metro puzzles double page. The quick crossword is harder than usual though, and it’s making me feel dumb. I do enjoy the wordwheel though – I’m constantly getting 16 and above. So, while I might be lacking when it comes to the new quick crossword, I’m making up for it with the wordwheel. Julia, Dulwich.

‘Fellow crossworders, embrace the challenge’
For those people bleating about the crossword getting harder, get a life.
I used to do the quick crossword in two or three minutes and I agree it’s harder now (as is the cryptic one) but, hey, it’s good to be tested a bit more.
So, come on, fellow crossworders, knuckle down and embrace the challenge. Martin Lawrence, South Croydon

Here’s a clue for you…

‘Eight letters…’
With regards to the new crossword, I have to say I’m enjoying the new challenge. To paraphrase Friedrich Nietzsche, ‘That which does not kill us makes us (eight letters)’. Paul Billson, Letchworth Garden City

’12-letters…’
To all those Metro readers criticising and struggling with your new quick crossword puzzles, here is a helpful 12-letter clue for them – ‘constant persistence’. It it begins with ‘p’ and ends with ‘e’. Answer: ‘perseverance’.
PS Hope they can take a joke! Leo, Romford

We will report back on the results of the poll and on our talks with our crossword creators in the Talk pages soon.

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