NYT Connections 1 February, 2026: Sort 16 words into four groups with hints, categories and answers. Know how to play and solve today’s puzzle.
The NYT Connections puzzle for February 1 (#966) featured approachable word groupings with minimal trickery (Photo: NYT)
NYT Connections 1 February, 2026: NYT Connections has quietly become one of the most addictive daily word games for word buffs while Wordle is a game of finding one word, Connections requires pattern recognition, lateral thinking and a deep vocabulary. Sunday’s Puzzle #966, for February 1, has a mix of obvious categories and well-hidden pitfalls to create a fun challenge for experienced solvers.
NYT Connections is a daily word association game from The New York Times Games section. Players are given 16 words and must sort them into four groups of four based on a shared link. Each group carries a color that reflects difficulty, from the relatively simple green to the notoriously tricky purple and you get four chances to make mistakes, which adds tension without making the game unforgiving.
This puzzle stood out for how easily words could overlap across categories. Terms like “jam” or “sharp” can mislead players into chasing musical meanings too early. Success comes from stepping back and checking whether all four words truly fit one idea, not just two or three.
What is NYT Connections?
A daily New York Times word game where players group 16 words into four related sets.
How many mistakes are allowed in NYT Connections?
Players can make up to four incorrect guesses before the game ends.
How often is NYT Connections updated?
A new Connections puzzle is released every day.
Is NYT Connections free to play?
Yes, it can be played for free on the NYT Games website and app.
What do the colors mean in NYT Connections?
The colors indicate difficulty levels, from easier groups to the hardest one.
