What is a mini crossword?
A mini crossword is a small crossword with clues running Across and Down. Answers share letters where they cross. The Boardsmith Mini Crossword uses a 5×5 grid, with black squares separating some entries.
The short grid makes it a manageable place to learn crossword solving. An answer you know gives you letters for other clues, and you can change an entry whenever a crossing suggests it is wrong.
Mini Crossword rules
- Read the numbered Across and Down clues. Each number marks the starting square of an answer.
- Enter one letter in each white square. Leave the black squares empty.
- Use the same letter for both answers at a crossing.
- Fill every white square with the correct letters to solve the puzzle. A full grid is checked automatically.
Typing answers and switching clues
Tap or click a white square and type your answer. The highlighted clue shows which entry you are filling. Tap the selected square again to switch between Across and Down, or select a clue from the list.
Use the clue arrows or Tab to move between clues. The keyboard arrow keys move around the grid, and Backspace clears a letter. Undo reverses your last edit; Reset clears your entries.
When the grid is full, Boardsmith checks it. If it is not correct, recheck your answers and edit the letters. If the check fails because of a connection problem, use Retry check after reconnecting; you do not need to change an answer first.
Mini Crossword solving tips
Read through the clue list and fill answers you recognise. Leave uncertain clues for later rather than forcing an answer that only partly fits.
Use crossing letters to narrow down the remaining answers. Check the clue’s wording as well as the pattern: a plural clue may need a plural answer, and a past-tense clue may need a past-tense verb.
If several crossings fail around one answer, recheck that answer first. A plausible word is not necessarily the intended answer, even when it has the right number of letters.
The daily Mini Crossword
Boardsmith publishes one shared 5×5 Mini Crossword per UTC date, scheduled for midnight UTC. There is a single daily puzzle, with no separate Easy, Medium, Hard or Expert grids.
Completing the grid counts towards your daily streak and records a Mini Crossword game day. The clues are included on the page; no download or account is needed to play.
For accounts, saved progress, timers and the daily streak, read the daily puzzle FAQs. See the games page for everything available to play.
Mini Crossword FAQ
How big is the Boardsmith Mini Crossword?
The daily Mini Crossword is 5×5. Some squares are black, and answers run Across and Down through the white squares.
How do I switch between Across and Down?
Tap or click the selected square again to change direction. You can also select the clue you want from the clue list.
Why is my full grid not marked as solved?
A full grid is not necessarily correct. All letters must match the puzzle’s answers. If the check reports an incorrect grid, recheck the clues and crossings. A connection error has a separate Retry check action.
Are alternative spellings accepted?
The completed grid is checked against the puzzle’s answers, so alternative spellings are not automatically accepted. Use the clue, answer length and crossing letters to choose the spelling that fits.
Are there hints or an answer reveal?
The Boardsmith Mini Crossword does not have a hint or answer-reveal button. Use crossing letters for help, or open How to play beside Settings to review the rules and replay the tutorial.
Is a mini crossword good for beginners?
A mini crossword is a good starting point because there are fewer clues and squares to work through. Begin with answers you know and use their crossing letters to help with the rest.