Can you complete the NYT Mini Crossword in less than a minute? This article presents today's clues to challenge your abilities! The NYT Mini is a favorite among puzzle enthusiasts, offering a quick version of the classic crossword found in The New York Times. This puzzle is featured in over 300 newspapers and is also available online, making it a well-known American-style crossword that appears daily. The difficulty level varies throughout the week, with Mondays being the easiest and Saturdays the most challenging. The larger Sunday Crossword is a staple in the New York Times Magazine and holds a significant place in American culture.

The NYT Mini Crossword is an enjoyable daily puzzle that serves as a smaller alternative to the traditional NYT Crossword. Accessible to anyone with a New York Times account, this puzzle 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 simpler.

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

• 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 for key clues to assist in solving other words.
• If uncertain about an answer, don't hesitate to make a guess; you can always change it later if needed.
• Try rearranging letters to form words, concentrating on common crossword answers and patterns.
• Common answers often relate to history, geography, and pop culture.
• Before looking at hints, attempt to solve the puzzle independently.

Still struggling with some tricky words? Here are the solutions for today's NYT Mini Crossword:

1: Long, drawn-out story – SAGA

5: With 6-Down, become hopelessly infatuated – CRUSH

7: Unsettled feeling – AGITA

8: Back tooth – MOLAR

9: Passionate student, perhaps – NERD

1: A text saying “Congratulations! You’ve won a $1,000 gift card,” usually – SCAM

2: Element between chlorine and potassium on the periodic table – ARGON

3: Craftiness – GUILE

4: “_ Is Born” (film) – ASTAR

6: See 5-Across – HARD

The NYT Mini Crossword was launched on August 21, 2014, to provide a quicker and more accessible daily challenge for puzzle lovers. It was designed to attract a broader audience, especially those who found the full-size puzzle 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 over the years. Joel Fagliano has been the editor of the Mini Crossword since its inception, with contributions from various freelance creators.