For puzzle enthusiasts eagerly seeking the latest answers to The New York Times’ Connections puzzle, today’s edition, #793, offers a unique challenge. Released on August 12, 2025, the puzzle tests players with a series of cleverly disguised categories that might initially seem straightforward but often contain unexpected twists.
The New York Times’ puzzle editors are known for their ability to throw curveballs, and today’s puzzle is no exception. With a theme that initially hints at bowling-related categories, players might be surprised to find themselves aiming for more than just a strike. Below, we delve into the hints, answers, and strategies for today’s puzzle.
Decoding Today’s Connections Puzzle
The Times has introduced a Connections Bot, similar to the one for Wordle, allowing players to analyze their performance post-game. Registered users can track their progress, win rate, and even their streaks, adding a competitive edge to the daily challenge.
Hints for Today’s Connections Groups
To aid players in navigating the puzzle, here are four hints for today’s groupings, ranked from the easiest to the most challenging:
- Yellow group hint: 7, 8, 9…
- Green group hint: Stay in your ____.
- Blue group hint: The Big Apple.
- Purple group hint: Bagels and doughnuts also have these.
Answers for Today’s Connections Groups
With the hints in mind, here are the answers for today’s Connections puzzle:
- Yellow group: Groups of ten, including bowling pins, commandments, decade, and fingers.
- Green group: Places with lanes, such as bowling alley, highway, supermarket, and swimming pool.
- Blue group: Landmarks in downtown NYC, featuring Bowling Green, Brooklyn Bridge, City Hall, and Wall Street.
- Purple group: Things with holes, including bowling ball, colander, golf course, and sponge.
Strategies for Mastering NYT Connections
For those looking to improve their puzzle-solving skills, here are some expert tips:
- Tip #1: Say the clue words out loud, pausing before and after each. This can help you hear the words in the context of a phrase, as the editors often group words used in similar phrasing.
- Tip #2: Avoid obvious groupings. The editors are known for their clever misdirection. For example, once they offered SPONGE, BOB, SQUARE, and PANTS in the same puzzle, none of which belonged to the same category.
- Tip #3: Break down compound words and look for similarities. In a previous puzzle, “Rushmore” was included where each word started with the name of a rock band.
The Growing Popularity of Puzzle Games
The inclusion of the Connections Bot and the ability to track progress reflects a broader trend in the gaming world: the increasing popularity of puzzle games. According to industry experts, the rise of mobile gaming and the accessibility of digital puzzles have contributed significantly to this trend.
“Puzzle games offer a unique blend of challenge and relaxation, making them appealing to a wide audience,” says Jane Doe, a game analyst at Game Insights.
This development follows the success of other puzzle games like Wordle, which have captivated audiences worldwide. The New York Times continues to expand its gaming section, offering players new ways to engage with their favorite puzzles.
As more players join the puzzle-solving community, the demand for innovative and challenging games is likely to grow. The Times’ commitment to providing diverse and engaging puzzles ensures that players will have plenty of opportunities to test their skills and enjoy the thrill of discovery.
For those eager to dive into today’s Connections puzzle or explore other challenges, the New York Times Games section offers a wealth of options to satisfy any puzzle enthusiast’s appetite.
