The New York Times’ daily Connections puzzle challenges players to group words based on shared themes. Today’s puzzle (#880) proved moderately difficult, with one category aligning with its color assignment. Here’s a breakdown of the solutions, hints, and new tracking tools for dedicated players.
Puzzle Overview
The Connections game presents 16 words that fall into four hidden categories. The goal is to identify these groups with as few attempts as possible. The Times now offers a dedicated bot for scorekeeping and performance analysis, allowing players to track their progress over time—including perfect scores and win streaks.
Hints by Category
For those seeking assistance, here’s a tiered set of hints, progressing from easier to more obscure:
- Yellow: Focus on patterns found in fabrics.
- Green: Consider common condiments known for their green color.
- Blue: Think about items that feature a central opening or void.
- Purple: The trickiest group involves items specifically associated with the color purple.
Complete Solutions
The correct groupings for today’s puzzle are as follows:
- Yellow (Textile Patterns): Animal Print, Herringbone, Houndstooth, Polka Dot
- Green (Green Condiments): Chimichurri, Pesto, Relish, Salsa Verde
- Blue (Things With Holes): Bagel, Hula Hoop, Inner Tube, Washer
- Purple (Things That Are Purple): Barney the Dinosaur, Eggplant, People Eater, Swing State
Why This Matters
The popularity of games like Connections reflects a broader trend toward daily mental challenges and gamified entertainment. The integration of performance tracking tools suggests the Times is actively engaging a competitive player base, turning a simple word puzzle into a data-driven pursuit.
The inclusion of somewhat absurd terms like “People Eater” in the purple category demonstrates how the game occasionally tests lateral thinking and cultural awareness alongside word association skills.
In conclusion, today’s Connections puzzle provided a blend of straightforward and obscure categories, offering both casual enjoyment and a challenge for seasoned players. The game’s continued evolution, with new tracking features, reinforces its position as a staple of the NYT Games lineup.
