How NYT Mini Crossword Works
The NYT Mini Crossword is a bite-sized daily puzzle created by Joel Fagliano. Unlike the standard 15x15 daily crossword, the Mini features a compact 5x5 grid designed to be solved in under two minutes.
- Across & Down Clues are divided into horizontal (Across) and vertical (Down) directions with numbers matching grid coordinates.
- Progressive Hints Use Hint 1 for a descriptive nudge or Hint 2 for starting and ending letter bounds before using full reveals.
- Daily Reset New Mini puzzles drop daily at 10:00 PM EST on weekdays/Saturdays and 6:00 PM EST on Sundays.
NYT Mini Hints and Solutions for 9. October, 2026
Across and Down clue hints for today's Mini.
Across
4 Across: Coffee supplement ... or a ’60s rock band
7 Across: Valentine's Day symbol ... or a ’70s-’80s rock band
8 Across: Desert watering hole ... or a ’90s-’00s rock band
9 Across: Glorifying poem
Down
1 Down: Sound preceding "Gesundheit!"
2 Down: Basis for croutons
3 Down: Stop
5 Down: Name found in "nefarious"
6 Down: Denali and Whitney: Abbr.
Today's NYT Mini FAQ
How many clues are in today's NYT Mini crossword?
Today's Mini (#24594, 2026-10-09) has 10 clues — 5 Across and 5 Down.
What size is today's Mini grid?
A 5x5 grid.
What's the longest answer today?
5 letters — no spoilers, but that's your longest foothold if you're stuck.