NYT Connections 3 February, 2026: Crossword-style word games continue to lure puzzle enthusiasts in and the New York Times Connections puzzle has become an instant hit for a mental exercise unlike traditional crosswords or Wordle puzzles, the Connections puzzle requires players to identify patterns and group words that have subtle links to each other. The current puzzle #963, is a mix of difficult and familiar words that will test both amateur and expert puzzle solvers.
What is NYT Connections?
Connections is a word puzzle from the New York Times in which you match sixteen words into four groups of four, each group having a common theme. The game is scalable in terms of difficulty.
- Green: Relatively easy to spot.
- Yellow: Slightly more challenging.
- Blue: Often requires deeper thinking.
- Purple: The hardest, sometimes requiring lateral or creative connections.
Players are allowed up to four mistakes, providing some leeway as they solve the puzzle and it’s accessible for free on desktop or mobile via the NYT Games portal.
How to Play NYT Connections
Playing Connections is straightforward but strategically nuanced:
- Start with the sixteen words displayed on the screen.
- Identify four words that share a theme and select them as a group.
- Repeat this process until all words are grouped into four sets of four.
- Keep in mind the color-coded difficulty cues as green, yellow, blue, purple.
- You can make up to four mistakes without penalty, but errors reduce points.
- Use elimination for the final group if it remains tricky.
Today’s Connections Words for 3 February (Tuesday)
The words for today’s puzzle challenge (#968) include:
- CARD
- WOOD
- FOAM
- DICE
- BOARD
- CUBE
- QUARTER
- HOLE
- HASH
- HOUSE
- IRON
- MINCE
- WEDGE
- LANE
- LODGE
- PUTTER
These sixteen words can be cleverly grouped into categories that range from everyday objects to sports-related items.
Today’s Connections Hints for 3 February (Tuesday)
Players looking for subtle clues can consider:
- Yellow: Think about words that involve chopping or cutting food.
- Green: Focus on terms related to places to rest or stay.
- Blue: Look for items associated with playing 18 holes of golf.
- Purple: Start with a word that evokes memory or remembrance.
NYT Connections Answers for 3 February (#968)
Here are the four groups with their thematic connections:
- Yellow – CUT INTO PIECES: CUBE, DICE, HASH, MINCE
- Green – PROVIDE WITH A PLACE TO STAY: BOARD, HOUSE, LODGE, QUARTER
- Blue – KINDS OF GOLF CLUBS: IRON, PUTTER, WEDGE, WOOD
- Purple – MEMORY: CARD, FOAM, HOLE, LANE
These groupings showcase how seemingly unrelated words can share subtle or practical links, offering players a satisfying “aha!” moment when solved.
FAQ’s NYT Connections
- What does “Connections” mean?
It refers to finding groups of words that share a common theme. - How many mistakes can I make?
Players can make up to four errors without penalty. - Is it free to play?
Yes, Connections is free on the NYT Games website and mobile app. - Can I play past puzzles?
Yes, previous puzzles are archived on the NYT site for practice. - Does color indicate difficulty?
Yes, green is easiest, yellow is moderate, blue is harder, and purple is the toughest group.
