Connections

What is Connections?

Connections is the NYT grid game where sixteen words hide four secret groups of four. The catch is the overlaps — words that look like they belong together often don't.

How to play Connections

Pick four words you think share a theme and submit the group. Get it right and the row locks in; get it wrong and you lose one of your four lives. Solve all four groups — purple is usually the trickiest, often a wordplay or 'fill in the blank' category.

Tips & strategy

• Find the yellow (easiest) group last on purpose — start by spotting the trap words that fit two categories.
• Look for a wordplay angle for the purple group: homophones, hidden words, or '___ word' patterns.
• If unsure, rearrange the grid mentally before committing a guess to protect your lives.

Where to play

Play Connectionsnytimes.com · free, new puzzle daily

Play here