How to Solve NYT Connections: A Strategy Guide That Works

I've been playing NYT Connections daily for months. My solve rate went from 60% to 95% once I learned to think like the puzzle makers.

Here's my complete strategy.

1. Find the Easy Group First

Every Connections puzzle has one straightforward group (usually Yellow). Look for the most obvious connection first. It might be colors, animals, or common phrases.

Solving the easy group first removes 4 words and makes the harder groups clearer.

2. Look for Wordplay Traps

Connections loves to trick you. Words that seem to fit one category might belong to another.

Example: BASS could be a fish or a musical instrument. LEAD could be a metal or a verb. Always consider multiple meanings.

3. The Purple Group Is Always Tricky

Purple is the hardest group. It usually involves wordplay: words that come before/after a common word, homophones, or hidden patterns.

If you've solved 3 groups and have 4 words left, they MUST go together. Don't overthink it.

4. Shuffle When Stuck

The game has a shuffle button. Use it. Seeing words in a new order breaks mental fixation and helps you spot connections you missed.

5. Say Words Out Loud

Sometimes hearing a word triggers a connection that reading doesn't. This is especially helpful for homophone groups or phrases.

6. Check for Common Prefixes/Suffixes

Many groups share word parts: -ING endings, RE- prefixes, or words that pair with a common word (like FIRE: drill, alarm, escape, truck).

7. Don't Guess Blindly

You only get 4 mistakes. If you're not confident, step away. Come back with fresh eyes. A wrong guess costs you; patience doesn't.

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Daily NYT Connections hints at GoSolveDaily.