**The Mini: A Quick and Entertaining Puzzle Experience**
[The Mini](https://www.nytimes.com/crosswords/game/mini) serves as the compact version of *The New York Times*’ renowned daily crossword. While the full crossword requires a blend of knowledge and dedication, The Mini provides an entirely distinct experience—brief, lively, and ideal for a swift mental challenge.
With just a handful of clues to work through, The Mini has emerged as a top choice for speed seekers who compete to finish it in the fastest time possible. However, coming across a challenging clue can interrupt the rhythm and cause irritation. If you get stuck—similar to games like [Wordle](https://mashable.com/article/wordle-today-answer-december-13-2024) or [Connections](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-december-13-2024)—don’t fret, we’re here to help.
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### Clues and Solutions for NYT’s The Mini (Friday, December 13, 2024)
#### **Across**
1. **Spread out, as one’s fingers**
*Solution: Splay*
2. **Long cloud of smoke**
*Solution: Plume*
3. **Subway payments**
*Solution: Fares*
4. **Type of garden featuring a bonsai tree**
*Solution: Zen*
5. **”May I ___ …”**
*Solution: Add*
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### **Down**
1. **Short form of rating on a Hawaiian Tropic bottle**
*Solution: SPF*
2. **New York hotel shown in “Home Alone 2,” with “the”**
*Solution: Plaza*
3. **Attracted with bait**
*Solution: Lured*
4. **Alter, as the Constitution**
*Solution: Amend*
5. **Response to about 3.6% of Harvard applicants for the 2028 class**
*Solution: Yes*
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### Seeking More Games?
If you’re in the mood for additional puzzles, Mashable has you sorted! Explore our [games hub](https://games.mashable.com/) for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crosswords, and more.
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### Featured Video: The Wordle Tactics of NYT’s Head of Games
Want to enhance your puzzle-solving skills? Check out the featured video below to discover the Wordle techniques utilized by *The New York Times*’ Head of Games.
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### Bonus: Are You Engaging with NYT Strands?
If you’re also working on *Strands*, don’t overlook our [hints and solutions for today’s puzzle](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-december-13).
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**Missed a Day?**
If this isn’t the puzzle you’re after, explore the [latest Mini Crossword solutions](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-mini-crossword-answers-hints-december-13-2024). Enjoy solving!