The New York Times Mini Crossword for February 9th has been solved. This quick daily puzzle, designed to be completed in minutes, challenges players with concise clues requiring both vocabulary and lateral thinking.
Across Clues and Answers
The Mini Crossword’s Across section featured the following solutions:
- 1A: Stopper that may get popped – CORK
- 5A: ___ Kim, Olympian whose name aptly rhymes with “snowy” – CHLOE
- 6A: Like terrain that’s good for sledding – HILLY
- 7A: Diabolical deeds – EVILS
- 8A: Lawyer’s charges – FEES
Down Clues and Answers
The Down clues were answered as follows:
- 1D: Green additive to cream cheese – CHIVE
- 2D: Basic jump in snowboarding – OLLIE
- 3D: Nose ___ (snowboarding moves) – ROLLS
- 4D: Piano’s set of 88 – KEYS
- 5D: Title for Carmy or Sydney on “The Bear” – CHEF
Solving Strategies
For those who occasionally struggle, a few tactics can improve completion rates. First, attempting answers even with uncertainty can unlock further clues as cross-references fill in. Second, switching between Across and Down sections can provide momentum. Finally, the puzzle often utilizes playful wording; considering less direct interpretations of clues is key.
The Mini Crossword relies on both vocabulary and pattern recognition, making it a satisfying mental exercise for daily solvers.
The New York Times also offers daily solutions for its other popular word games, including Wordle, Connections, and Strands, available on CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
