Struggling with today's NYT Connections puzzle? You're not alone! February 14th's edition (#979) is a real brainteaser, but don't worry, we've got your back with hints, answers, and a deep dive into the mind of a puzzle-solving pro.
Meet Gael Fashingbauer Cooper, CNET editor and self-proclaimed pop-culture aficionado. A seasoned journalist since 1989, Gael's penned two Gen X pop-culture encyclopedias and boasts awards for headline writing that would make even the most seasoned wordsmith jealous. Think of her as your puzzle-solving spirit animal, especially if you share her love for Marathon candy bars (fingers crossed for a comeback!).
Her expertise spans from breaking news to video games, making her the ultimate guide through today's Connections categories, which, let's be honest, can be a bit cryptic.
Today's puzzle (https://www.nytimes.com/games/connections) is a fun mix, especially if you're a fan of a certain iconic actor. And this is the part most people miss: the Times has a Connections Bot (https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/connections-bot-brings-ai-to-the-new-york-times-games-section/), just like Wordle's! Analyze your performance, track your progress (https://www.nytco.com/press/introducing-connections-stats-and-streaks/), and become a Connections master.
But here's where it gets controversial: Some players argue that using bots takes the fun out of the game. What do you think? Is it cheating, or just a helpful tool? Let us know in the comments!
Now, onto the hints! We've ranked them from the relatively straightforward yellow group to the head-scratching purple:
- Yellow group: Think upward movement. (Hint: It's not going down!)
- Green group: Something that protrudes. (Think bumps and lumps.)
- Blue group: This one's for the movie buffs. He starred in Big – any guesses?
- Purple group: A common flavor found in your bathroom cabinet.
Ready for the answers? Here they are, categorized for your convenience:
Yellow group: Uptick - Hike, Jump, Rise, Spike. (See the upward trend?)
Green group: Protuberance - Bump, Hump, Lump, Mound. (All about those protruding parts!)
Blue group: Tom Hanks roles - Gump, Phillips, Sully, Woody. (A true Hollywood legend!)
Purple group: Words before "mint" - Breath, Junior, Pepper, Spear. (Fresh breath, anyone?)
Want to up your Connections game? Check out our article on hints, tips, and strategies (https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/nyt-connections-seven-hints-tricks-and-tips-for-winning-every-game/) to become a puzzle-solving pro.
We've also compiled a list of the toughest Connections puzzles so far (https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/nyt-connections-turns-one-these-are-the-5-toughest-puzzles-so-far/#link=%7B%22role%22:%22standard%22,%22href%22:%22https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/nyt-connections-turns-one-these-are-the-5-toughest-puzzles-so-far/). Studying these patterns might just give you an edge in future challenges.
From "things you can set" to "things that can run," these puzzles will test your lateral thinking skills.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your thinking cap, head over to the NYT Connections puzzle, and let the games begin! And don't forget to share your thoughts on puzzle-solving bots in the comments – we love a good debate!
