Mini Nerdle is the smaller version of the classic Nerdle puzzle. 6 columns instead of 8. Only two operators: addition and subtraction. Equations look like 3+2=5, 15-8=7, or 24+9=33. You still get 6 guesses and the same color feedback system.
It's a daily puzzle. Everyone gets the same Mini equation each day, and it resets at midnight UTC. Stats and streaks are tracked separately from Classic, so playing both doesn't mix up your records.
The rules are nearly identical to Classic, just scaled down.
Every guess must be exactly 6 characters. That means shorter equations. You'll see single-digit and small two-digit numbers. Something like 9+8=17 fits perfectly.
No multiplication, no division. Every equation uses + or - (sometimes both). This limits the math but still leaves plenty of valid equations to choose from.
Green for correct position, purple for right character in wrong position, dark for absent. Same system as Classic. The on-screen keyboard tracks which characters you've used.
Leading zeros aren't allowed (03+2=5 is invalid). Both sides of the equals sign must actually be equal.
If you've got 2 minutes between meetings or waiting for coffee, Mini fits. The 6-column grid keeps equations short. You won't need scratch paper.
It's also a good starting point if you're new to Nerdle. Fewer columns and only + and - means less to think about per guess. Once you're comfortable, Classic and Pro are there when you want more.
Classic uses 8 columns and all four operators (+, -, *, /). Mini uses 6 columns with just + and -. The math in Mini is simpler, but the shorter grid means fewer characters to work with per guess.
Mini puzzles typically take 2-4 guesses for experienced players. Classic puzzles average 3-5 guesses because the equation space is larger. Both are daily puzzles with separate streak tracking.
A good opener like 9+8=17 tests three digits, one operator, and the equals sign position. You want maximum information from your first guess.
In 6-column Mini, the = sign can be in column 4, 5, or 6. If your first guess puts it in column 4 and it shows green, the result is two digits. If it's in column 5, the result is one digit. That narrows things fast.
There are only two options: + and -. If + comes back dark, the equation uses subtraction. Sometimes both operators appear (like 5+3-1=7 in a wider format, though Mini's 6 columns rarely fit two operators).