The New York Times' word puzzle sensation, Connections, has firmly established itself as a daily ritual for millions of players worldwide. It masterfully blends the straightforward appeal of games like Wordle with deeper layers of logic, pattern recognition, and clever wordplay, creating a uniquely addictive challenge for the mind.
What is NYT Connections and How to Play?
NYT Connections is an engaging word association game designed to test analytical thinking and problem-solving logic. Unlike simpler word games, it demands players discern often subtle and abstract links between terms. Each day, a fresh puzzle presents 16 words in a 4x4 grid. The player's task is to sort these words into four secret groups of four, each sharing a common theme.
The game is freely accessible on both desktop and mobile devices, making it a convenient and stimulating brain exercise. Its elegant mechanics and consistently challenging puzzles have cultivated a dedicated international following who rely on it for a daily dose of mental agility.
Navigating Today's Puzzle: Hints for January 09, 2026 (Game #942)
For players tackling the January 09, 2026 edition, puzzle number 942, here are strategic hints to nudge you in the right direction without spoiling the solution. These clues are designed to encourage logical deduction and strategic grouping while preserving the core challenge.
- YELLOW: Connected by the color of blood.
- GREEN: Featured in dangerous scenarios.
- BLUE: Groups with a missing numeral.
- PURPLE: Altered compass points.
Categories and Full Answers for NYT Connections January 09
If you're ready to check your work or need the solution, below are the four connection categories and the specific word groupings for the January 09, 2026 puzzle.
YELLOW: THINGS THAT ARE RED
This category includes words commonly associated with the colour red: 8 BALL, CARDINAL, HEART EMOJI, and SOLO CUP.
GREEN: USED IN METAPHORS FOR PRECARIOUS SITUATIONS
These terms are idioms for risky or unstable conditions: DEEP END, LIMB, THIN ICE, and 8 BALL.
BLUE: MUSICAL ARTISTS MINUS STARTING NUMBERS
This clever group references famous musical acts but without their initial numbers: CHAINZ (2 Chainz), DIRECTION (One Direction), MAFIA (6 Mafia), and NON BLONDES (4 Non Blondes).
PURPLE: CARDINAL DIRECTIONS WITH FIRST LETTER CHANGED
The trickiest category involves cardinal directions (North, East, South, West) with their first letters altered: COUTH (South), FORTH (North), LEST (West), OAST (East).
Frequently Asked Questions About NYT Connections
How do you play NYT Connections?
Players are presented with a 4x4 grid of words and must identify four groups of four words that share a common, often clever, theme.
Are hints available in the game?
Yes, the game provides subtle, colour-coded hints (like those above) to assist players without giving away the answers directly.
Is NYT Connections free to play?
Absolutely. The game is completely free to play on web browsers and mobile devices.
What skills does this word game enhance?
Regular play sharpens pattern recognition, logical reasoning, lateral thinking, and problem-solving abilities, making it a rewarding mental workout.
As the game continues to evolve, it remains a testament to the enduring appeal of well-crafted puzzles, offering a daily challenge that fascinates and engages a global community of word game enthusiasts.
