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I don't think that I have ever completed a listener without the BRB (but I will need it to check a couple of entries that I have), nor by solving 95% of the clues in order. It took me longer to create the puzzle on a spreadsheet than It took to do the puzzle. A little too easy even as an entry level puzzle, and the first character negated a long period of grid staring.

We shouldn't be too critical of a very easy puzzle from Samson. Listener statistics show that his first in 1999 had 786 entries - of which a mere 124 were correct. His most recent: 672 with 631 correct. Maybe solvers are just getting better!

I thought that was very pleasant and I learned something about those little nibbles you get with drinks...in an oblique way too.

Quite happy to have the occasional easier one with an amusing theme.

After last week’s Listener and IQ I am not going to complain about getting an easier ride! And the finished article is a proper treat, completely illustrating the theme. Thank you, Samson.

I read somewhere on the Listener website that occasionally an easier puzzle appears with the intention to draw new solvers in.

I only started attempting The Listener a few weeks ago but this is certainly the fastest I've ever completed one. Normally I'm well into the following week!

I am very pleased to see an 'easy' crossword. Some weeks I don't get past the preamble, other weeks solve only 10 or so clues. Have completed and posted 3 or 4 this year, a feat about which I am quite proud. (Sorry to those who can solve them with their eyes closed!)

Likewise, I enjoyed completing this (and 4777 a few weeks ago) where normally I stick to the (much maligned!) numericals. An encouragement to persevere with some of the other more intimidating puzzles?

Yes, certainly my quickest too since starting two christmases ago! But enjoyable nonetheless. Pleasant way to end the weekend, thanks Samson.

And I’ve found the last three weeks very tough indeed. In fact, not completed two weeks ago, and think I’ve probably given up, unfortunately. So very happy to have an easier one this week!

bumping over spam

Always good to have an easy one every now and again, particularly as I still have bits of 2 of the last three outstanding. Doing the whole thing in less time than it takes to drink a cup of coffee is possibly pushing it a bit though.

On the plus side no quibbles with any of the clues and the grid stare was the perfect length - sub 1 minute.