Mini Crossword

What is Mini Crossword?

The Mini Crossword is a compact daily crossword puzzle from The New York Times. It's a 5×5 grid that can typically be solved in just a few minutes, making it perfect for a quick mental workout.

Unlike traditional crosswords, the Mini is designed to be accessible and fast-paced.

Mini Crossword Rules

1. Grid Size: 5×5 grid (25 squares)
2. Clues: Usually 5 across and 5 down clues
3. Daily Puzzle: New puzzle every day
4. Timed: Track how fast you can solve it
5. No Themes: Unlike larger crosswords, Minis typically don't have themes
6. Difficulty: Generally easier than full-size crosswords

How To Play Mini Crossword

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Example Clues

Across:

1. Opposite of night (3 letters)
2. Cat sound (4 letters)
3. Large body of water (3 letters)

Down:

1. Breakfast food (4 letters)
2. Yes or ___ (2 letters)
3. Opposite of out (2 letters)

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Solving Strategy

1. Start with Easy Clues: Fill in the answers you know immediately
2. Use Crossing Letters: Let solved answers help with intersecting words
3. Think Short: Most answers are 3-5 letters
4. Common Words: Minis use everyday vocabulary

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Example Solution

Across:

1. DAY
2. MEOW
3. SEA

Down:

1. DONUT (or BAGEL)
2. NO
3. IN

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Mini Crossword Strategy Tips

1. Fill Easy Ones First: Start with clues you know immediately
2. Use Intersections: Crossing letters are your best friends
3. Think Common: Answers are usually common, everyday words
4. Short Answers: Most answers are 3-4 letters
5. Letter Patterns: English has common letter patterns (TH, ING, ED)
6. Don't Overthink: The Mini is designed to be straightforward

Common Clue Types

Direct Definitions

• "Opposite of hot" → COLD
• "Cat sound" → MEOW
• "Large body of water" → SEA

Fill in the Blank

• "Black and ___" → WHITE
• "___ and crafts" → ARTS
• "Peanut butter and ___" → JELLY

Abbreviations

• "Doctor's org." → AMA
• "Airport code for Los Angeles" → LAX

Wordplay

• "What this clue is" → HINT
• "Puzzle you're solving" → MINI

Time Benchmarks

• ⚡ Under 30 seconds: Expert
• 🏃 30-60 seconds: Very Good
• 👍 1-2 minutes: Good
• 📚 2-5 minutes: Learning
• 🎓 5+ minutes: Beginner

Tips for Improving

1. Play Daily: Consistency improves pattern recognition
2. Learn Common Words: Crosswords reuse certain words (ERA, ORE, ALE)
3. Expand Vocabulary: Read widely to know more words
4. Practice Speed: Try to beat your previous times
5. Check Archives: Practice with past puzzles

Where To Play Mini Crossword?

Official game website:

👉 https://www.nytimes.com/crosswords/game/mini

New puzzle updates daily. Free to play, though NYT subscription unlocks archives and other features.