NYT Connections helper & tools
Use this page as the main Connections starting point. Open today's hints for spoiler-layered help, switch to the scratchpad when you want to test group ideas safely, or study recurring category patterns before the next board.
If you're revisiting an older board, jump straight to the Connections archive. If you're playing the sports board instead, the Sports Connections hints surface follows the same gradual-reveal pattern.
Choose a Connections route
Start with today's board when you want active help, then branch into practice, study, archive browsing, or the Sports edition from the same family hub.
Today's Puzzle
Start here for the current Connections board. Category hints, solved groups, and full answers live together in one controlled reveal.
Archive & Reference
Use these when you want past boards, recurring category patterns, or the separate Sports edition surface.
Solver Tools
Use this when you want an interactive helper for testing possible groups without spending official guesses.
Past Connections puzzles
Revisit recent archived boards with spoiler-layered group titles, tile reveals, and full answers when you want to study a completed puzzle.
When to use the scratchpad
Open the Canvas when you want to test a grouping idea without committing guesses in the official game. It works well alongside today's hints and archived boards.
When to switch to study mode
Use the study lists when a board feels familiar but you cannot place the category. They help you recognise repeated group shapes before you go back to the live puzzle.