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How to play Mini Crossword
A compact crossword makes a good daily word break. Play Puzzle Pact’s Mini Crossword without signing up, then create a private competition if you want to compare times with friends.
Solve the across and down clues by filling their shared squares. Tap a square or select a clue, then use the puzzle keyboard. Next follows the across clues before moving to the down clues.
Play Mini Crossword →Example: use a crossing letter to break a tie
A fictional example, independent of today’s puzzle.
1. Start with the fictional three-letter clue “Feline pet”. CAT fits the clue and the space.
2. Suppose its final T is also the first square of a down answer. The down clue is “Hot drink”, with three squares: T _ _.
3. TEA fits both the clue and the crossing T. Enter it, then use its E and A to help with any other answers that cross those squares.
4. If a crossing later conflicts, revisit both clues. A word that fits the length is only a candidate until its meaning and crossings agree.
Solving tips
Begin with the clues you know
Scan across and down before getting stuck on the first clue. Short, familiar answers give you crossing letters elsewhere in the grid.
Match the clue’s form
Look for a plural, a past tense or an abbreviation in the clue. Those details can distinguish two answers that otherwise seem plausible.
Use checks when learning
Check letter, Check word and Check grid can help you learn. Each marks the run as assisted, so use them knowing that the saved time will not earn a ranked finish or medal.
Scoring
Competition scoring: fastest time. Compare individual performances in your group’s results page, separately from medal standings.
Check letter, Check word and Check grid mark your run as assisted. Your time stays visible, but an assisted result is not eligible for ranking or medals.
A new puzzle every day
A new daily puzzle becomes available at midnight in America/New_York (Eastern Time, including daylight saving time). Everyone plays the same dated puzzle; refreshing or a website update does not create another set for that day.
Play without an account on this device, or sign in to sync completed-game checkmarks and join private competitions.