The NYT Mini Crossword for Sunday, September 13, 2026, features a tight 5×5 grid with a clever set of interlocking clues. While the Mini is designed to be solved quickly, today’s puzzle utilizes cross-references that might slow down solvers who don’t immediately see the connection between the across clues.
Hints for Today’s Mini Crossword
If you are looking for a nudge before checking the full solution, consider these hints for the more challenging clues:
- 7-Across and 9-Across: These two clues work together in both directions. One way describes a common cartoon injury often “cured” with a raw steak, while the reversed order describes the grease athletes put under their eyes to reduce glare.
- 4-Down: This clue references a famous bit by the late comedian Mitch Hedberg, who joked that this food is ideal when you are hungry and want to eat “two thousand of something.”
- 1-Down: This refers to the specific type of network CNN was pioneered as, representing the “C” in its name.
Spoiler Warning: The full list of answers for the September 13, 2026, NYT Mini Crossword follows below.
NYT Mini Crossword Answers for September 13, 2026
Today’s grid is anchored by the wordplay between 7-Across and 9-Across. When read as 7-Across then 9-Across, you get BLACK EYE. When read as 9-Across then 7-Across, you get EYE BLACK.
Across Clues
- 1-Across: ___ Sun (juice drink) — CAPRI
- 6-Across: Maximum poker bet — ALLIN
- 7-Across: With 9-Across, injury treated with a raw steak in old cartoons — BLACK
- 8-Across: Only — LONE
- 9-Across: With 7-Across, application on a football player’s face — EYE
Down Clues
- 1-Down: The “C” of CNN — CABLE
- 2-Down: Metal mixture — ALLOY
- 3-Down: What Superman is mistaken for — PLANE
- 4-Down: Mitch Hedberg quote about wanting 2,000 of something when hungry — RICE
- 5-Down: Printer’s supply — INK
The intersection of BLACK and EYE serves as the centerpiece for this Sunday puzzle, requiring players to think about how the words function as a pair in different contexts. You can find additional puzzle help and daily guides at Try Hard Guides.
