NYT Mini October 12, 2025: 5A - One of two in a standard deck

Answer: JOKER

5 letters

Clue Breakdown

Every modern 52-card deck includes two JOKER cards, which often function as wild cards in casual play. The clue leans on that standard composition, making JOKER the obvious fill once you confirm the enumeration. Minis frequently test familiarity with card terminology, so recognizing that only JOKER routinely appears exactly twice keeps the answer immediate.

Grid Crosses

Intersects CARD at the first letter, reinforcing the deck theme.
Shares the O with OLIVE and LOTUS, tightening the botanical mini-theme.
Down entries COLOR and AKITA confirm the consonant placement.

Solving Tip

Deck clues rarely require advanced knowledge—focus on base counts (four suits, thirteen ranks, two jokers). Memorizing these fundamentals pays dividends across Minis, Monday crosswords, and trivia-style puzzles alike.

Extend Your Skills

Constructors use JOKER as a bridge to themes about humor, Batman lore, or casinos. Keep that flexibility in mind when you encounter the word outside of card-deck contexts.

← Back to October 12, 2025 Puzzle

NYT Mini October 12, 2025: 5A - One of two in a standard deck

Answer: JOKER

Clue Breakdown

Grid Crosses

Solving Tip

Extend Your Skills

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