If you’re the member of New York Times Games section, then there’s a chance that you’ve already bumped into NYT Connections. It is a colorful word puzzle game with 4×4 grid where you need to group 16 words into 4 sets of 4 categories. Sounds easy? Not really. Some days it feels like a quick warm-up and other days it’s a real brain-bender. I’ve been playing Connections daily and in this guide I’ll walk you through how the game works, plus share some NYT Connections tips and tricks that will actually help you win more consistently.
What is NYT Connections?
NYT Connections is a word association puzzle game like Wordle and Spelling Bee. In NYT Connections you’re given 16 words and have to divide them into 4 groups of 4 based on a hidden theme. These could be anything like food items, slang, TV shows, sports or even sneaky categories like “words that rhyme” or “types of metal”. Each group is color-coded:
- Yellow: Easiest (straightforward connections)
- Green: Medium difficulty
- Blue: Harder connections
- Purple: Trickiest and often the most creative
You’ve to figure out this connection and group these words into sets of four and further, four different categories. You only get 4 wrong guesses before the puzzle ends. That’s where smart strategy comes in.
How to Play NYT Connections (Step-by-Step)
- Open the puzzle → Go to the NYT Games site or app.
- Look at the 16 words carefully → Don’t rush your first guess.
- Search for obvious categories first → colors, months, animals and sports etc.
- Select 4 words that seem connected → Tap them and hit Submit.
- Eliminate distractions → Once a set is solved, those words disappear and making the rest easier.
- Finish the puzzle → Your goal is to solve all 4 groups before running out of mistakes.
NYT Connections Tips and Tricks
While it may look simple at first, NYT Connections can easily keep you scratching your head for an hour as you struggle to link words together. So here are some practical tips and tricks that have worked for me and other puzzle fans.
1. Start With The Easy Wins
Look for groups that practically scream their category like colors, numbers, countries or fruits. These are usually in the yellow set.
2. Watch For Words That Fit In Two Places
The NYT loves to add words that can fit into multiple groups. For example: “Turkey” could be a bird or a country. Keep these flexible words aside until later.
3. Narrow Down Your Options
If you’re unsure about a group, try building it anyway. Even if it’s wrong, you’ll rule out some words and make it easier to spot the real categories.
4. Shuffle to Break the Pattern
The board’s initial layout is designed to trick you. Puzzle editor Wyna Liu confirmed that the placement is intentional. Use the Shuffle button to break false patterns, sometimes a fresh arrangement makes the connections obvious.
5. Save The Purple Set For Last
Purple categories are tricky often based on slang, puns or less obvious connections. By solving yellow/green/blue first, you’ll leave yourself with fewer options, making purple less intimidating.
6. Don’t Guess Too Fast
You only get 4 mistakes. If you’re not sure, hold back and scan the board again. Sometimes stepping away for a minute helps you see patterns more clearly.
7. Practice pattern recognition
Connections is all about seeing hidden themes. Over time, you’ll notice recurring categories like:
- Musical instruments
- Brand names
- Movie titles
- Types of measurement
Tip: The more you play, the faster you’ll spot these.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
NYT Connections vs Wordle
Wordle tests your vocabulary with a single word a day where NYT Connections on the other hand challenge your categorization and association skills. Both are addictive, but NYT Connections requires more logical grouping, while Wordle is pure word-guessing.
And if you’d like to sharpen your Wordle skills too, don’t miss my full guide on Wordle tips and tricks it’ll help you to solve those five-letter puzzles more consistently.
Want NYT Connections Today’s Answers?
Latest puzzle solutions are updated daily so you don’t have to miss out. If you’re stuck, check out today’s NYT Connections answers here. NYT Connections is more than just another puzzle, it’s a mix of logic, pattern recognition and a little bit of intuition. The best way to improve is to play regularly, learn from past puzzles and keep these tips in mind. If you want to get better, Bookmark this guide and check our daily updates. The more you practice, the more those tricky categories will start to feel obvious.
You may also like: How to Play NYT Strands with Tips & Tricks
FAQs
What is the hardest part of NYT Connections?
The purple group. It’s designed to trick you with less obvious links like rhyming words or pop culture references.
Can I play NYT Connections for free?
Yes! but you can play one free puzzle daily. A NYT Games subscription unlocks the full archive.
How many mistakes can I make?
You get 4 mistakes before the game ends. After that, the puzzle reveals itself.
What’s the best strategy for beginners?
Always start with the obvious category (yellow set) and leave the purple set for last.
