Every month, The New York Times publishes a bonus crossword puzzle for subscribers. The puzzles are designed to have the difficulty of an early-week puzzle and to use the theme throughout. The theme of this month’s puzzle, by Patti Varol, is the singer Taylor Swift.

January 23, 2026's edition of the LA Times games is finally out, and can solve two of the toughest puzzles there: Crossword and Mini Crossword!

For puzzle lovers who enjoy a fast mental stretch rather than a long, time-consuming crossword, the New York Times Mini Crossword has become a daily go-to. Compared to the traditional full-size puzzle that often requires deep vocabulary and cultural ...

THURSDAY PUZZLE — Before you ask, let me clarify: The headline of this column is not an instruction. Whenever you feel stuck on a crossword puzzle, you should go directly to Wordplay. Do not break down in tears, do not collect $200 — and where did you find that money, anyway? Better give it to me, for safekeeping.

Cryptic crosswords look tricky, but there are conventions that can help newcomers. Most clues comprise a cryptic part and a straight definition (often a synonym of the answer). Consider the following: We write the leader on crime involving head of Enron ...

The New York Times Mini Crossword continues to deliver a quick yet satisfying brain workout for wordplay fans. Built around a compact five-by-five grid, the Mini has carved out its own loyal following thanks to its sharp clues and fast-paced format.