The New York Times Crossword is one of the most popular and challenging word games in the world. Millions of people play it every day, either online or in print. But did you know that there is a smaller and faster version of the crossword that you can play in just a few minutes? It’s called The Mini, and it’s a great way to test your vocabulary and logic skills without spending too much time.

What is The Mini?

The Mini is a 5×5 crossword puzzle that appears every day on the New York Times website and app. It has the same rules and format as the regular crossword, but with fewer and simpler clues. The Mini is designed to be solved in less than five minutes, making it ideal for a quick break or a warm-up before tackling the bigger puzzle.

The Mini was introduced in 2014 by Joel Fagliano, the digital puzzles editor of the New York Times. He wanted to create a crossword that was accessible and fun for everyone, regardless of their skill level or experience. Since then, The Mini has become a hit among crossword fans, attracting more than 10 million solvers per month, according to the New York Times.

How to Play The Mini?

You can play The Mini online or on your mobile device. To access it, you need to subscribe to the New York Times Games, which costs $6.95 per month or $39.95 per year. You can also get a free trial for seven days. With a subscription, you can also play other games like Spelling Bee, Letter Boxed, Tiles, Vertex, and Wordle.

To play The Mini, you need to fill in the grid with the correct letters, based on the clues given across and down. You can type in the letters using your keyboard or tap on the squares on the screen. You can also use the arrow keys or swipe to move the cursor. If you get stuck, you can use the hints or reveal options to help you out. You can also check your answers or restart the puzzle at any time.

The Mini is updated every day at 10 p.m. Eastern Time. You can also play the past puzzles from the archive, dating back to 2014. You can track your progress and statistics, such as your solving time, streaks, and leaderboards. You can also compare your performance with other players and challenge your friends.

How to Beat The Mini?

The Mini may seem easy at first glance, but it can be tricky and frustrating sometimes. Here are some tips and tricks to help you beat The Mini and improve your crossword skills:

• Start with the easy clues. Look for the clues that are straightforward, short, or familiar. They are usually the ones that have a definite answer, such as names, dates, abbreviations, or common words. Fill in these answers first, and use them as anchors to help you with the rest of the grid.
• Use the crossings. If you are unsure about an answer, look at the letters that cross it. They can give you hints or confirmations about the word you are looking for. For example, if you have a four-letter word that ends with E, and the clue is “Not odd”, you can guess that the answer is EVEN, because it fits the pattern and the definition.
• Think outside the box. Sometimes, the clues are not literal, but rather playful, punny, or misleading. They may use wordplay, homophones, synonyms, antonyms, or double meanings to trick you. For example, the clue “It may be found in a chest” could mean either a treasure or a heart. You need to think creatively and flexibly to figure out these clues.
• Learn from your mistakes. If you get something wrong, don’t be discouraged. Instead, try to understand why you made the error and how you can avoid it in the future. You can also use the reveal option to see the correct answer and learn something new. The more you play The Mini, the more you will expand your vocabulary and knowledge, and the better you will get at solving crosswords.

In Your Face NYT Mini: A Fun and Rewarding Challenge

The Mini is a great way to enjoy the thrill and satisfaction of solving a crossword puzzle, without spending too much time or effort. It’s also a good way to sharpen your mind and learn new things. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, you can always find something challenging and fun in The Mini. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and play The Mini today, and see how fast and smart you can be. In your face, NYT Mini!