For the mini crossword fans without access through their library, there are alternatives. The LA Times and Seattle Times have their own mini crosswords. However, although free, they’re not identical to the New York Times version. Other publications like The Washington Post and The New York Post also offer free alternatives.

The Mini Crossword is billed as the "bite-size" version of the publication's daily word puzzle, according to its website. For years, The New York Times has offered several daily word games for free play on its platform,

You have to pay for the New York Times' Mini Crossword game now – but have you played any of these free alternatives?

Dawn Staley said she would have felt compelled to leave South Carolina for the New York Knicks head coaching job if she'd been offered the position