Quick Answer
Clue: “Kind of board”
Answer: OUIJA
Answer length: 5 letters
Clue number and direction: 1-Down
The New York Times crossword clue “Kind of board” is answered with OUIJA, referring to a Ouija board.
Why OUIJA Is the Right NYT Answer
- Helper and answer sites for the January 28, 2026 NYT Mini clearly give OUIJA as the 5-letter solution for “Kind of board.” A Ouija board is a specific “kind of board” used in séances, which neatly satisfies the clue’s vague wording.
- More explicit versions of this clue have appeared in other NYT and mini puzzles as “Kind of board whose name is trademarked by Hasbro” or “Kind of board for a séance,” and in each case the answer is OUIJA.
What OUIJA Means in Plain English
- A Ouija board is a flat board marked with letters, numbers, and the words “yes” and “no,” used with a movable pointer (planchette) to spell out supposed messages from spirits during séances.
- The name “Ouija” itself comes from combining the French and German words for “yes” (oui and ja) and is now a Hasbro trademark for this style of “talking board.”
- In casual language, people use “Ouija board” as a general term for any spirit or talking board, regardless of brand.
Crossword-Specific Help for OUIJA
- In the grid, OUIJA appears as O U I J A, and with crossings you might first see patterns like O_IJA, OU_JA, or _UIJA, which strongly point to OUIJA once you recognize the séance angle.
- Crossword archives show OUIJA used under clues such as “Kind of board with letters printed on it,” “Board used at a séance,” and “Board whose name is trademarked by Hasbro.”
- Because the spelling is slightly unusual (UIJ in the middle), crossings are particularly helpful to confirm it, especially the J.
Solving Tips for Similar NYT Clues
- When you see vague phrases like “Kind of board,” “Board for a séance,” “Spirit board,” “Talking board,” OUIJA should be top of mind for a 5-letter entry.
- Look for “trademarked by Hasbro” or “with letters printed on it” in clues; both are strong signals for OUIJA specifically, not just “game board.”
If crossings give you O–IJA or OU–JA, confidently fill in OUIJA and use it to unlock nearby downs and acrosses.
More NYT Mini Crossword Answers for January 28, 2026
| Clue | Answer | |
| 1A | Remove from a position of power | View Answer |
| 5A | Not cool | View Answer |
| 7A | “Fine, see if ___!” | View Answer |
| 8A | Kind of bored | View Answer |
| 9A | Primatologists’ subjects: | View Answer |
| 1D | Kind of board | View Answer |
| 2D | Prepare to use, as a pen | View Answer |
| 3D | Desirable place to sit on a hot day | View Answer |
| 4D | Pair on a bicycle | View Answer |
| 6D | __ XING (street sign) | View Answer |
