Can you complete the NYT Mini Crossword in under a minute? This article presents today's clues to challenge your skills! The NYT Mini is a beloved puzzle, known for its quick format. It is a condensed version of the classic crossword found in The New York Times, which is featured in over 300 newspapers and online. The difficulty of the puzzles escalates throughout the week, starting with easier ones on Mondays and culminating in the most challenging ones on Saturdays. The Sunday Crossword, a larger version, is a staple in American culture and appears in the New York Times Magazine.

The NYT Mini Crossword is an engaging daily puzzle that is smaller than the traditional NYT Crossword. Accessible to anyone with a New York Times account, this puzzle, created by Joel Fagliano, typically features three to five clues in each direction on a 5×5 grid, although larger 7×7 grids may appear on Saturdays. Compared to the standard daily puzzle, the Mini is designed to be more approachable.

Unlike the full-size NYT Crossword, the Mini can be played for free on the New York Times website or through the NYT Games app. However, a subscription is required to access the archives of previous puzzles.

• Begin with straightforward clues to establish a base of letters and words. Focus on hints that have short answers or are based on common knowledge.


• Pay attention to intersecting letters as you fill in answers, as they can help solve other clues.


• If you're uncertain about an answer, don't hesitate to make a guess; you can always change it later.


• Try rearranging letters to form words, concentrating on common crossword answers and patterns.


• Common answers often relate to history, geography, and pop culture.


• Before checking hints, attempt to solve the puzzle independently.

If you're struggling with some of the tricky clues, here are the solutions:

ACROSS

1) Something made of gold or onion – RING
5) Title for a Mideast ruler – EMIR
6) 'Jeopardy!' round with just one clue – FINAL
8) ___ baby – NEPO
9) Competed in Pictionary – DREW

DOWN

1) Soccer official – REF
2) 'Yeah, that bothers me' – IMIND
3) San Francisco football player, informally – NINER
4) Flavor of purple Skittles – GRAPE
7) Flo Rida hit with the lyric 'Apple Bottom jeans, boots with the fur' – LOW

The NYT Mini Crossword was launched on August 24, 2014, to provide a quicker and more accessible daily challenge for puzzle enthusiasts. It was designed to attract a broader audience, especially those who found the full-size crossword daunting. The NYT website and mobile app offer the Mini daily for free, and the quality of the puzzle has been maintained through careful editing and contributions from various freelance creators, with Joel Fagliano serving as the editor since its inception.