The NYT Mini is a quick and dirty version of the newspaper's larger and long-running crossword. Most days, there are between three and five clues in each direction on a five by five grid, but the puzzles are sometimes larger, especially on Saturdays.

As word games surge in daily popularity, the NYT Mini Crossword stands out for its approachability and concise design. Offering both challenge and charm, the Mini has become a favored mental break for commuters,