NYT Connections Game Guide

What is NYT Connections?

NYT Connections is a daily word puzzle game by The New York Times where players must find groups of four words that share a common theme or connection. Each puzzle contains exactly 16 words that form 4 distinct groups.

How to Play Connections

  1. Look at the 16 words presented in a 4x4 grid
  2. Find four words that share something in common
  3. Select the four words and submit your guess
  4. If correct, the group is revealed with its theme
  5. Continue until you find all four groups
  6. You have 4 mistakes before the game ends

Difficulty Levels

Green (Easiest)

Usually straightforward categories like colors, animals, or common objects.

Yellow (Easy)

Slightly more complex but still recognizable patterns.

Blue (Hard)

Requires more thought, may involve wordplay or less obvious connections.

Purple (Hardest)

Most challenging, often involves puns, multiple meanings, or obscure connections.

Winning Strategies

Common Connection Types

Straightforward Categories

  • Colors (RED, BLUE, GREEN, YELLOW)
  • Animals (CAT, DOG, BIRD, FISH)
  • Food items (APPLE, BREAD, MILK, CHEESE)
  • Sports (TENNIS, GOLF, SOCCER, BASEBALL)

Tricky Categories

  • Words that can follow "FIRE" (TRUCK, PLACE, WORK, FLY)
  • Things that are "BROKEN" (HEART, RECORD, BONE, PROMISE)
  • Homophones (THERE, THEIR, THEY'RE, THAIR)
  • Abbreviations (FBI, CIA, NSA, ATF)

Daily Connections Tips

  • Take your time - there's no time limit
  • Read all words carefully before making guesses
  • If you're stuck, try our AI hint system
  • Don't be afraid to shuffle the words for a fresh perspective
  • Remember that each group has exactly 4 words
Play Today's Connections