By Lynne Cairncross
Ten clues. Twenty-five squares. Sixty seconds of brain-teasing fun.
The new digital Mini Crossword – which launches today and joins our popular puzzles Target Time, Sudoku and the Quick and Cryptic crosswords – is destined to become your favourite daily ritual. Herald readers can play the crossword here, while Age readers can solve it here.
Our Mini has a distinctly Australian flavour, according to compiler Liam Runnalls.
“Australians have a knack for shortening words, so what better format to showcase that,” says Runnalls, who also compiles the Cryptic and Quick crosswords each Tuesday.
“We have great slang and Aussieisms that you don’t really see in other puzzles. ‘MYGOV’ and ‘COOEE’ spring to mind as perfect starting points.”
Mini Crossword compiler Liam Runnalls.
For seasoned puzzlers, this bite-sized crossword is the ideal appetiser before a larger, trickier grid - or a quick fix if you’re short on time. But first-timers need not fear; the Mini is designed to be enjoyed by players of all skill levels.
“It’s certainly not cryptic, so you needn’t worry about funny business,” says Runnalls. “There might be one or two slightly harder clues per puzzle, but they don’t require too much lateral thinking.
“I look for a catchy hook – a fun or interesting word or clue that acts as the centrepiece of the puzzle. Ideally, that clue is the last one to be entered into the grid, serving as a bit of a climax or ‘aha moment’.”
The Mini, available exclusively to premium subscribers, includes a range of personalised stats and a timer for competitive players. See your solve times, track your winning streaks and challenge family and friends by sharing – or boasting about – your results.
But be warned, this puzzle is addictive. Just how quickly can you solve it?
Speed could come at a cost, though: be sure to read the clues carefully, and remember that typing too quickly can spell disaster.
Liam Runnalls’ Mini Crossword tips
Skipping is OK
Don’t get a clue immediately? Move to the next one. The way these puzzles are built, if you solve enough of the other clues, those pesky harder ones will fill themselves in.
Keep at it
If you’re new to crosswords, persevere with this little puzzle. It’s the perfect entry point to the art form. Practice definitely makes a difference.
Avoid typos
Clumsy thumbs are the quickest way to sabotage a personal best Mini time, so stay focused and watch where you’re tapping.
Helpful clues
Every across square is also a down square, so a correct entry will feed the perpendicular dimension. And if the clue is plural, there’s always a good chance you can tentatively guess the “S” – or can you?
Enjoy it
Whether you’re done in 30 seconds or get stuck wrestling with a tricky clue, have fun.
Share your wins
Feeling boastful or tickled by a particularly amusing or relevant clue? That’s your cue to share the love and flick the puzzle to a friend.
Get tips, tricks and word games from our crosswords guru, plus links to our online puzzles and quizzes, delivered to your inbox every Saturday. Sign up for our Puzzled with David Astle newsletter.