One step into any high school classroom and you will catch someone playing one of The New York Times’ iconic mini-games. NYT has a wide array of these little puzzles; since the debut of the Mini Crossword, NYT has released several other online games, including additions like Wordle and more recently, Connections. These games have since gained widespread popularity; many students and staff at Edina High School play the games as a fun way to unwind.
Many people at EHS play the NYT mini-games to connect with others. Math teacher Alexis Galt uses the Mini Crossword to stay in touch with her long-distance friend. “It is a way we can keep up with each other no matter where she is, because she always does the Mini Crossword and we can compare times,” Galt said. “She usually beats me.”
Other EHS staff also take advantage of the timed aspect of the Mini Crossword by competing with one another. Since the puzzle usually takes no longer than a minute or two to complete, competition can get intense. “I’ve done [the Mini Crossword] in 15 seconds. It was the greatest day of my life,” science teacher Dana Weiland said.
The Mini Crossword, along with other NYT mini-games, is designed for convenience. The puzzles are made for brief gameplay, and players are able to resume them if necessary. “I can do [a mini-game] during a break in class or while I’m waiting for something to start,” sophomore Samantha Tietz said. Some students use the games when they need quick mental breaks. “I try to do the Wordle in the morning because it’s fun and gets my mind off school,” sophomore Anirudh Promod said.
The NYT mini-games are appreciated for their content as well. Since prompts refresh daily, players rarely find themselves bored. NYT has a diverse array of puzzles; while many of the games deal with identifying words and references, each one has a unique layout which keeps things interesting. Junior Natalie Mosakowski finds the wide spread of different games beneficial. “I open three games on three different tabs,” she said. “I take a quick glance at all of them, and whichever one seems the least frustrating I do first, so then I have time to dwell on the other ones without wasting my clock. That’s the strategy.”
No matter the playing method, the general consensus among players is that the design and content of NYT mini-games make them perfect for relaxing and connecting with others. “[Spinoffs] are fun, but I don’t think they’ll ever be as iconic or accessible as the classics,” Tietz said.
