If you’re a fan of quick brain teasers, the NYT Mini Crossword is likely a daily ritual. But even the most seasoned solvers can hit a snag. Whether you’re stuck on today’s puzzle or just looking for a little guidance, we’ve got you covered with hints, answers, and tips to keep your streak alive.
The NYT Mini Crossword, a compact version of the newspaper’s iconic puzzle, is a favorite for its bite-sized challenge. Played on a 5×5 grid, it typically features three to five clues in each direction, making it a quick but satisfying mental workout. While the Mini is free to play on the New York Times website or the NYT Games app, accessing past puzzles requires a subscription to NYT Games.
Today’s Mini Crossword, dated Thursday, January 30, proved to be a bit of a head-scratcher for some solvers. One player shared their experience, revealing it took them 1 minute and 22 seconds to complete. “I struggled slightly with this one,” they admitted. “I only got the last two answers on the Across side on my first pass.”
In case you missed Wednesday’s NYT Mini, you can find the answers here: Click Here
The solver initially guessed “paper” for 8 Across, which turned out to be incorrect. However, enough letters aligned with the actual answer to help them uncover words like TAMPA and CAMEO. It wasn’t until they reached MASS that they realized their mistake. “It took me a few seconds to puzzle out TALC,” they added. “The rest of the words fell into place after that.”
For those who need a little extra help, here’s a spoiler alert: the answers for today’s Mini Crossword are provided below. But if you’re determined to solve it on your own, consider these tips:
- Start with the shortest words first—they often provide the most clues for longer answers.
- Look for common crossword fillers like TALC or CAMEO, which frequently appear in puzzles.
- Don’t be afraid to revisit clues after filling in other answers; context can make all the difference.
Whether you’re a crossword pro or a casual player, the NYT Mini Crossword offers a fun and fast way to sharpen your mind. So grab a cup of coffee, open the app, and get ready to rock today’s puzzle!
NYT Mini Across Answers
1 Across: Soft rock – TALC
5 Across: First-string squad – A-TEAM
7 Across: Soft rock? – MAGMA
8 Across: Tissue layers, e.g. – PLIES
9 Across: Fiona Apple and Tracy Chapman, vocally – ALTOS
NYT Mini Down Answers
1 Down: Florida’s so-called “Cigar City” – TAMPA
2 Down: To any degree – AT ALL
3 Down: Not sketchy, colloquially – LEGIT
4 Down: Brief role in a movie – CAMEO
6 Down: Midnight _ (Christmas service) – MASS
