NYT Mini Crossword Answers for January 16, 2026
Updated
Tap a clue to reveal its answer. By Joel Fagliano.
No spoilers until you tap Reveal.
Hint: letter count and first letter of every answer
1A H__ · 4A P___ · 5A F____ · 6A L___ · 7A U__ · 1D H____ · 2D B___ · 3D O__ · 4D P___ · 5D F__
Across
1A: ___ Max
4A: Where Marco Polo is played
POOL · more answers for this clue
5A: Overwhelming amount, metaphorically
FLOOD · more answers for this clue
6A: Reason for success in games like Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders
LUCK · more answers for this clue
7A: "That's just the worst"
Down
1D: Liquor, informally
HOOCH · more answers for this clue
2D: Winner of a Booker prize, fittingly
BOOK · more answers for this clue
3D: Antiquated
4D: Give a short promotion for
PLUG · more answers for this clue
5D: Winter malady
Completed grid
Show the full grid
HBO
POOL
FLOOD
LUCK
UGH
FAQ
1-Across: ___ Max
HBO.
4-Across: Where Marco Polo is played
POOL.
5-Across: Overwhelming amount, metaphorically
FLOOD.
6-Across: Reason for success in games like Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders
LUCK.
7-Across: "That's just the worst"
UGH.
1-Down: Liquor, informally
HOOCH.
2-Down: Winner of a Booker prize, fittingly
BOOK.
3-Down: Antiquated
OLD.
4-Down: Give a short promotion for
PLUG.
5-Down: Winter malady
FLU.