How to Play Connections
Everything you need to know about the NYT Connections puzzle game.
What is NYT Connections?
Connections is a daily word puzzle game from The New York Times, created by associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu. Each day, you're presented with 16 words that can be grouped into four categories of four words each.
The challenge is figuring out what connects the words in each group. Connections can be based on synonyms, categories, wordplay, pop culture references, or any other creative link.
How to Play
Look at all 16 words
Start by reading through all 16 words on the board. Look for obvious connections or themes.
Start with the easiest category
The yellow category is typically the most straightforward. Try to identify it first to narrow down your options.
Select four words
Tap or click on four words you think belong together. When you have four selected, submit your guess.
Learn from mistakes
If your guess is wrong, the game tells you. Use this information to refine your thinking about the remaining words.
Watch for tricky purple category
The purple category often has wordplay, puns, or obscure cultural references. Save it for last if you're stuck.
Understanding the Colors
Each category is color-coded by difficulty. After you correctly guess a group, it reveals which color it was:
Tips & Strategies
- •Look for obvious groups first. If you see four words that clearly belong together, grab them before overcomplicating things.
- •Watch for red herrings. Some words might seem to fit multiple categories. The puzzle is designed to trick you!
- •Think about word forms. Words might connect through prefixes, suffixes, or what they can precede/follow.
- •Consider pop culture. Categories often reference movies, TV shows, songs, or celebrities.
- •Save purple for last. The hardest category often becomes clearer through elimination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NYT Connections?
NYT Connections is a daily word puzzle game from The New York Times. Players are given 16 words and must group them into four categories of four words each. Each category has a hidden connection that links its words together.
How many guesses do I get in Connections?
You get four mistakes before the game ends. Each incorrect grouping counts as one mistake. If you make four mistakes, the puzzle reveals all the answers.
What do the colors mean in Connections?
Each category is color-coded by difficulty: Yellow is the easiest, Green is easy, Blue is medium/tricky, and Purple is the hardest with the most obscure connections.
When does the new Connections puzzle come out?
A new Connections puzzle is released every day at midnight Eastern Time (ET). Our hints are updated automatically shortly after.
Can I play old Connections puzzles?
The official NYT game only shows today's puzzle. However, you can view hints and answers for past puzzles in our archive section.