Swap (Los Angeles Times)

About Swap (Los Angeles Times)

Swap turns the mini crossword inside out. Instead of typing answers into empty squares, you get a grid already filled with the right letters in the wrong places. Read the clues, work out the answers, and swap tiles until every word reads correctly across and down.

Each puzzle has a title and a theme and is credited to its constructor; on 2 October 2026 it was Rock 'n' Roll by Adam Frucci, with clues about bands, albums and songs. Some days a square holds a small picture standing in for a whole word, rebus style, which you have to read as part of the answers around it.

Your swaps are limited and a few hints are on hand, so the puzzle rewards working out answers from the clues before moving tiles. The Los Angeles Times shows the puzzle on its games page; it comes from Lil Snack, which makes daily pop culture games for several publishers.

It suits mini crossword players who like a shorter, more tactile solve, and anagram fans who want clues to steer them.

How to play Swap (Los Angeles Times)

1. Open Swap on LA Times Games and read the day's title and clues.
2. Work out an answer from its clue and find its letters on the board.
3. Swap two tiles to move a letter into place.
4. Keep swapping until every across and down answer is correct, within the swaps you are given.
5. Use a hint if you are stuck, then share your result.

Screenshots

Tips

• Solve the clues on paper first; every swap counts.
• Start with the shortest answers, which lock letters for the longer ones.
• Letters shared by an across and a down answer are worth placing early.
• Look out for a picture square standing in for a word.

Questions