It’s Friday the 13th — a NYT Mini Crossword day wrapped in superstition and mystery. Black cats, broken mirrors, and all things unlucky are supposedly out and about today. But if you’re brave enough to face the ominous vibes of the calendar, there’s no better way to sharpen your mind than with a little word game. Specifically, the NYT Mini Crossword
The NYT Mini Crossword is a delightful little puzzle — a compact, fast-paced version of its bigger sibling, the NYT Crossword. Unlike the full crossword, which can take a good chunk of time (and sometimes a good chunk of patience), the Mini can usually be knocked out in under two minutes. And yes, it’s free-to-play on both the NYT app and website (though you’ll need the app if you want to dive into the archives).
So, how did today’s puzzle fare? Let’s break it down with hints, solutions, and a bit of analysis.
Also read: Quordle Hints and Answers for Friday, June 13(Game #1236)
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Clues for June 13
Across Clues:
- 1A. House and Doogie Howser, for short — Starts with M
- 4A. Dessert wine — Starts with P
- 5A. Mugful after a sledding excursion — Starts with C
- 6A. Desert whine? — Starts with I
- 7A. “Like, yesterday!” — Starts with A
Down Clues:
- 1D. Chocolate-and-coffee drink — Starts with M
- 2D. Sag — Starts with D
- 3D. Three-point percentage, e.g. — Starts with S
- 4D. Poofy toy dogs, familiarly — Starts with P
- 5D. Org. that employs Jack Ryan in Tom Clancy novels — Starts with C
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for June 13
Across:
- 1A. MDS — Medical doctors, of course. Both House and Doogie Howser were iconic TV physicians.
- 4A. PORT — A sweet, fortified dessert wine, typically enjoyed after meals.
- 5A. COCOA — A winter staple, and a perfect reward after a chilly sledding trip.
- 6A. IMHOT — A clever pun! This “desert whine” isn’t a camel’s complaint — it’s someone griping about the temperature.
- 7A. ASAP — Short for “as soon as possible.” “Like, yesterday!” indeed.
Down:
- 1D. MOCHA — A rich, chocolatey coffee beverage. Delicious and energizing.
- 2D. DROOP — To sag or slump. Monday mornings, anyone?
- 3D. STAT — Short for statistic, commonly used in sports.
- 4D. POMS — Short for Pomeranians, those little fluffballs of joy.
- 5D. CIA — Jack Ryan’s fictional employer in the world of Tom Clancy thrillers.
Puzzle Notes & Commentary
For a day as spooky as Friday the 13th, this puzzle was surprisingly cheerful. No ghosts or black cats in sight. Instead, we got a hot cup of COCOA, a hint of MOCHA, and a nudge to get things done ASAP. Funny enough, those mug-related answers made the puzzle feel a little more like winter than summer.
Some solvers might have stumbled on 1A, where “MDS” could easily be mistaken for “DRS.” But the down clues quickly correct that. Once MOCHA locks in, MDS becomes clear. Also, props to the pun in 6A (IMHOT) — clever and perfectly themed for a desert setting.
The whole grid played smoothly. There were no obscure proper nouns or crosswordese to get hung up on. Everything felt crisp, logical, and beginner-friendly — exactly what you want from a Mini.
Related:
How Long Did It Take?
This puzzle took me 1:32 — not my best time, but not bad either. That initial “DRS” hiccup cost me a few seconds. Still, it’s always a satisfying way to start the day. One cup of coffee and one mini crossword — the perfect combo.
How about you? What tripped you up (if anything)? Share your solving time with me on Twitter, Threads, or Instagram.
Also read: NYT ‘Connections’ Hints And Answers For Friday, June 13
More Crossword Fun
If you enjoyed today’s Mini, don’t forget that the NYT also releases Wordle, Connections, Strands, and the full-size Crossword daily. I cover all of them with guides, strategies, and spoiler-filled solutions.
Check out my daily Wordle breakdowns if you’re up for another wordy challenge!
