New York Times Midi Crossword: A New Puzzle for Word Game Fans
The New York Times has expanded its suite of online crossword puzzles with the introduction of the Midi Crossword, a new offering designed to bridge the gap between the quick-solve Mini Crossword and the more challenging standard crossword. Launched this week, the Midi is aimed at subscribers who find the Mini too simplistic but don’t have the time – or inclination – to dedicate to the full-sized puzzle.
Available exclusively to New York Times Games subscribers – those with access through All Access, Home Delivery, or Games-only subscriptions – the Midi can be played via the New York Times Games app for iOS and Android, as well as on the web at nytimes.com/crosswords. Unlike its larger counterpart, the Midi is an online-only experience and will not appear in the print edition of the newspaper.
According to Ian Livengood, Puzzle Editor for NYT Games, the decision to focus on a digital-first approach allows for more dynamic puzzle experiences. “We’re really leaning into the digital-first nature of the puzzle,” Livengood said in a statement. “About once a week, the puzzle will have a visual effect – an extra flourish when you start or after you solve. This could be a cool animation or colorful shading.”
The “Midi” designation refers to the puzzle’s size. While the Mini Crossword typically features a 5×5 grid, and the standard crossword varies in size, the Midi generally presents a 9×9 grid, occasionally expanding to 11×11. This mid-sized format is intended to provide a satisfying challenge without the significant time commitment of the daily crossword.
“If you feel like the Mini is not enough but the Daily is too much, this will be the perfect puzzle for you,” Livengood explained.
Beyond its size, the Midi Crossword also differentiates itself in its construction. Livengood notes that the Midi may occasionally include two-letter words and repeating answers – elements less common in the standard New York Times crossword. Each Midi puzzle is designed around a central theme, providing subtle hints to guide solvers through the clues.
The availability of each daily Midi puzzle is staggered, reflecting the Times’ approach to its other crossword offerings. Tuesday through Saturday puzzles become available at 10 p.m. Eastern Time the day before their publish date, while Sunday and Monday puzzles are released at 6 p.m. EST the preceding day. Subscribers can opt-in to push notifications within the Games app to receive alerts when new puzzles are available. The puzzles are also archived, allowing subscribers to access and solve past daily Midis through the Games app and on the web.
I tested the Midi Crossword on , completing it in just over three minutes. This timeframe falls comfortably between the near-instantaneous Mini Crossword and the considerably longer time typically required for the full-sized daily puzzle. The clues were generally accessible, with the more challenging ones becoming solvable through cross-referencing between Across and Down answers.
The Midi Crossword’s success will likely depend on its ability to carve out a dedicated audience within the existing New York Times Games subscriber base. For those who enjoy the format of crosswords but find the time commitment of the standard puzzle prohibitive, the Midi offers a compelling alternative. The addition of occasional visual flourishes and a slightly more flexible approach to puzzle construction further distinguish it from its siblings, potentially attracting a new segment of puzzle enthusiasts.
Completion of the Midi Crossword is indicated by a blue star, though, unlike the daily crossword, it does not currently feature a streak tracking mechanism. The core gameplay remains consistent with traditional crossword puzzles: filling in white squares with letters to form intersecting words and phrases based on provided clues.
The introduction of the Midi Crossword underscores the New York Times’ continued investment in its Games portfolio, and its commitment to providing a diverse range of puzzle experiences for its subscribers. The Midi’s digital-first approach and unique characteristics suggest a willingness to experiment with the crossword format, potentially paving the way for further innovation in the future.