The NYT Mini Crossword for Thursday, October 1, 2026, features a tight 5×5 grid with wordplay involving phonetic similarities. The center of the puzzle contains a pairing between a professional poker player and a well-known academic institution.
Hints for Today’s Mini Crossword
If you are looking for a nudge before seeing the full solution, consider these hints for the trickier sections of the grid:
- The Wordplay Connection: Clues 5-Across and 6-Across rely on the phonetic similarity between “Phil Ivey” and “Philly Ivy.” One refers to a legendary card player, while the other refers to the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn).
- Across Hint: 1-Across is a common verb used when offering help or a laugh.
- Down Hint: 2-Down refers to a Swedish furniture retailer known for its maze-like warehouse layouts.
A full list of clues and verified answers for the October 1 puzzle follows below.
SPOILER WARNING: Answers for the October 1, 2026, NYT Mini Crossword follow below
Across Clues and Answers
- 1A: Word before “a hand” or “a hoot” — GIVE
- 5A: Card game for Phil Ivey — POKER
- 6A: Philly Ivy — UPENN
- 7A: Basic unit of mass — GRAM
- 8A: Not bad, but not great — SOSO
Down Clues and Answers
- 1D: Enter the N.F.L. draft, say — GOPRO
- 2D: Furniture stores in giant blue warehouses — IKEAS
- 3D: Cash App alternative — VENMO
- 4D: Suffix with north, south, east or west — ERN
- 5D: Dogs with smushed-looking faces — PUGS
The standout feature of this puzzle is the intentional sequence of 5-Across and 6-Across. The clue “Card game for Phil Ivey” leads to POKER, referencing the Hall of Fame player. Immediately following it, “Philly Ivy” leads to UPENN, utilizing the “Ivy League” status of the University of Pennsylvania and its location in Philadelphia to create a pun on the poker player’s name.
