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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle

Why are crossword puzzles always symmetrical?

Fearful symmetry ... a Guardian cryptic crossword.
Fearful symmetry ... a Guardian cryptic crossword. Photograph: Jeffrey Blackler/Alamy Photograph: Jeffrey Blackler / Alamy/Alamy

Why are crossword puzzle patterns never asymmetrical? Is there some immutable rule that says they have always got to be symmetrical?

Peter Hanson, Exeter

Post your answers – and new questions – below or email them to nq@theguardian.com

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