Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Saturday's grid brings an unusual 8×6 layout with meta-clues that play with clue numbers. Whether you're racing the clock or just enjoying a quick brain break, we've got hints and answers to keep you moving.
How The Mini Works
The Mini is a compact version of the classic NYT Crossword, typically featuring a 5x5 grid with five Across and five Down clues. Saturdays expand to a larger grid with more clues. Solve the intersecting words, and when the grid is complete, you'll hear a satisfying chime. No streak tracking here, but the built-in timer lets you compete against yourself or challenge friends.
New puzzles drop at 10 p.m. EST on weekdays and Saturdays. Sunday's Mini arrives earlier at 6 p.m. EST on Saturday.
Quick Scan
In a rush? Here's the at-a-glance breakdown for today's puzzle:
Grid Size: 8 × 6
Total Clues: 19 (10 Across, 9 Down)
Trickiest Clue: "This clue number ÷ 9" (9A) - requires math with clue numbers
Gimme Clue: "Like blue whales and the Burj Khalifa" (5A) - answer is BIG
Theme Spotted: None today, but features meta-clues that reference clue numbers
Clue Decoder (Hints Only)
Need a nudge without the full answer? Here's a hint for each clue.
Across Hints
1A. Pieces of legislation
Hint: Congressional creations, plural form
5A. Like blue whales and the Burj Khalifa
Hint: Opposite of small, three letters
8A. Cuisine with tom yum soup
Hint: Southeast Asian country, four letters
9A. This clue number ÷ 9
Hint: Do the math with the clue number
10A. Classic internet prank
Hint: Rick Astley song bait-and-switch, eight letters
12A. Ranked above all others
Hint: Three-word phrase meaning number one
13A. "What was ___ was saying?"
Hint: Two-word phrase, starts with "it"
14A. This clue number - 9
Hint: Do the subtraction with the clue number
15A. Home of MoMA
Hint: Abbreviation for the Big Apple
16A. Read receipt below an Instagram message
Hint: Past tense of "see", four letters
Down Hints
1D. Alphabetically first subway line in 15-Across
Hint: Two-word phrase, starts with "A"
2D. Either blank of "___ ___ Bang Bang"
Hint: Six-letter word from a musical film title
3D. Bit of strategy
Hint: Military or game plan element, six letters
4D. Religious wearer of a turban known as a dastar
Hint: Follower of Sikhism, four letters
5D. Baby's knitted shoe
Hint: Infant footwear, six letters
6D. Smitten
Hint: Two-word phrase meaning enamored
7D. Writer's alternative to a ballpoint
Hint: Two-word phrase, starts with "gel"
11D. Often-heckled sports figures
Hint: Officials in games, four letters
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. Pieces of legislation
Answer: ACTS
5A. Like blue whales and the Burj Khalifa
Answer: BIG
8A. Cuisine with tom yum soup
Answer: THAI
9A. This clue number ÷ 9
Answer: ONE
10A. Classic internet prank
Answer: RICKROLL
12A. Ranked above all others
Answer: AT THE TOP
13A. "What was ___ was saying?"
Answer: IT I
14A. This clue number - 9
Answer: FIVE
15A. Home of MoMA
Answer: NYC
16A. Read receipt below an Instagram message
Answer: SEEN
Down Answers
1D. Alphabetically first subway line in 15-Across
Answer: A TRAIN
2D. Either blank of "___ ___ Bang Bang"
Answer: CHITTY
3D. Bit of strategy
Answer: TACTIC
4D. Religious wearer of a turban known as a dastar
Answer: SIKH
5D. Baby's knitted shoe
Answer: BOOTIE
6D. Smitten
Answer: IN LOVE
7D. Writer's alternative to a ballpoint
Answer: GEL PEN
11D. Often-heckled sports figures
Answer: REFS
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: "This clue number ÷ 9" (9A) for ONE. This meta-clue requires solvers to do math with the clue number itself (9 ÷ 9 = 1), creating a clever self-referential puzzle element.
Wordplay Winner: "Read receipt below an Instagram message" (16A) for SEEN. Modern social media reference that translates digital behavior into crossword fill.
Quick Fill: "Baby's knitted shoe" (5D) for BOOTIE. Classic crossword vocabulary that experienced solvers will recognize instantly.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Watch for meta-clues that reference clue numbers - when you see phrases like "this clue number" followed by math operations, the answer often relates to the clue number itself.
Recognize modern internet culture references like "RICKROLL" and "SEEN" - these are becoming standard crossword vocabulary alongside traditional fill.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops at 6 p.m. EST today. How did today's grid treat you? The meta-clues and unusual 8×6 layout made for an interesting Saturday challenge. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
