What is NYT Mini Crossword?
The Mini is a small crossword, usually five squares by five, designed to be solved in a minute or two. The clues are short and friendly, often playful, and there are no obscure crossword-only words to learn first, which makes it a gentle way into crosswords for beginners. For regular solvers the appeal is speed: the timer invites you to beat your personal best, and many people compare times with friends. It has been part of The New York Times' puzzle collection since 2014 and grew into one of the most played crosswords in the world. In 2025 it moved behind the New York Times Games subscription, so you will need one to play. If you already subscribe for other games, it is a lovely quick addition to your daily set. If not, the free crosswords elsewhere on dailyfika are a good place to start.
How to play
- Click a square and type your answer for that clue.
- Switch between across and down clues as you go.
- Fill every square correctly to finish. The timer records your time.
