Sure, the Mini Crossword only takes 1 or 2 minutes to solve, but the game matters to lots of people, including me.

The New York Times Mini Crossword now requires a subscription. USA Today offers a free daily crossword puzzle as an alternative. Library card holders may have free access to the NYT Mini Crossword through their local library's website.

The New York Times has put the Mini Crossword, one of its popular daily games behind a paywall, and many of its frequent players are decrying the change. The Mini Crossword is billed as the "bite-size" version of the publication's daily word puzzle, according to its website.

After more than a decade, The New York Times Mini Crossword is no longer free to play, with its suddenly launched paywall angering some puzzle fans.

NYT has put its popular Mini Crossword behind a paywall, leaving daily players frustrated and searching for free alternatives.