Table of Contents

• Overview of Today’s NYT Mini Crossword
• Logic, Cross-References, and Tricky Spots
• Full NYT Mini Crossword Answers for September 13
• Frequently Asked Questions

Overview of Today’s NYT Mini Crossword

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword, crafted by constructor Joel Fagliano, features a tight 5×5 layout with two blacked-out squares in the lower right corner. The grid provides a satisfying mix of popular culture references, classic wordplay, and a clever paired clue across two separate entries.

Quick Puzzle Breakdown (No Spoilers)

• Grid Format: 5×5 grid containing 23 filled letters and 2 black squares.
• Key Difficulty Point: Interlocking cross-referenced clues at 7-Across and 9-Across.
• Standout Elements: A classic comedy quote reference alongside sports and pop culture trivia.

Logic, Cross-References, and Tricky Spots

Understanding the Connected Pair

The centerpiece of today’s grid involves two linked entries: 7-Across and 9-Across. The constructor ties these entries together using two distinct meanings of the exact same two-word phrase. Reading them in order yields the classic cartoon trope where a raw steak is slapped over a facial injury. Reversing the order describes the glare-reducing dark grease applied beneath an athlete’s eyes on game day.

Tricky Overlaps and Standout Quotes

Down clues offer solid anchors if you get stuck on the across words. 4-Down relies on a famous observation from late comedian Mitch Hedberg regarding a staple grain. If you know the quote, entering the four-letter answer unlocks the right side of the board instantly. Meanwhile, standard abbreviations and everyday terms in the vertical columns keep the construction clean and fast-moving.

Full NYT Mini Crossword Answers for September 13

Here is the full set of solutions for every clue featured in today’s puzzle, broken down by direction.

Across Clues

• 1-Across: ___ Sun (juice drink) – CAPRI: Refers to the widely popular pouch juice brand Capri Sun.
• 6-Across: Maximum poker bet – ALLIN: The phrase “all in” denotes wagering your entire stack of chips at once in poker.
• 7-Across: With 9-Across, injury treated with a raw steak in old cartoons – BLACK: Combines with 9-Across to spell out “black eye,” traditionally depicted in vintage animation as being cured with a fresh steak.
• 8-Across: Only – LONE: A four-letter synonym meaning solitary or sole, as in a lone ranger.
• 9-Across: With 7-Across, application on a football player’s face – EYE: Pairs with 7-Across to refer to “eye black,” the dark grease painted under athletes’ eyes to reduce glare from stadium lights.

Down Clues

• 1-Down: The “C” of CNN – CABLE: CNN stands for Cable News Network, making cable the opening word of the acronym.
• 2-Down: Metal mixture – ALLOY: An alloy is a homogeneous substance formed by combining two or more metals.
• 3-Down: What Superman is mistaken for – PLANE: A nod to the famous line, “It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Superman!”
• 4-Down: “___ is great when you’re hungry and you want 2,000 of something”: Mitch Hedberg – RICE: The punchline to comedian Mitch Hedberg’s memorable line about eating individual grains.
• 5-Down: Printer’s supply – INK: The liquid or powder compound loaded into computer printers to produce text and graphics.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the answers for the split clue in today’s puzzle? The cross-referenced answers are BLACK (7-Across) and EYE (9-Across), forming both “black eye” and “eye black.”
• Who constructed today’s NYT Mini Crossword? Today’s puzzle was constructed by NYT Games digital editor Joel Fagliano.
• What comedian is quoted in today’s grid? Comedian Mitch Hedberg is quoted for 4-Down, referring to rice.

Final Thoughts

According to WordFinder Tips experts, today’s puzzle balances straightforward modern vocabulary with clever multi-directional clueing, making it an enjoyable quick solve for players of all skill levels.