NYT Mini Crossword Marks 10th Anniversary with Special Puzzle

In celebration of its 10th anniversary, the New York Times Mini Crossword featured a self-referential puzzle for enthusiasts of the popular brain teaser. Launched as a quicker and more accessible version of the full crossword, the NYT Mini has become a daily ritual for many due to its concise yet challenging format. Typically presented in a five-by-five grid, the crossword offers between three and five clues in each direction, providing a quick mental exercise that can be completed in a matter of minutes.

The NYT Mini is available for free on both the New York Times website and the NYT Games app, although access to archived puzzles requires a subscription. The compact and straightforward nature of the Mini has made it a daily favorite for those looking to engage their minds without investing significant time.

The 10th-anniversary puzzle included clues such as “Luggage ID” for “TAG” and “Smallest of five digits” for “PINKY.” While some players found certain clues challenging, others, like “90° is the right one” for “ANGLE” and “Marvin of Motown” for “GAYE,” were more straightforward. The creator comments, “I try to beat the standard weekday grid in less than a minute,” while also acknowledging occasional difficulties, such as confusing the word “PINKY” with “PENNY.” The clue “Low-down joint” for “ANKLE” was noted for its cleverness.

The NYT Mini Crossword continues to provide a daily superficial intellectual challenge and celebrates a decade of puzzling entertainment. As users join in the daily fun, the crossword remains a testament to both its enduring popularity and the power of a quick mental puzzle.