NYT Pips Hints and Answers for Aug 18, 2025

NYT Pips represents The New York Times' first original logic puzzle, debuting August 18, 2025. Created by puzzle editor Ian Livengood, the game combines the nostalgic charm of dominoes with sophisticated mathematical constraints, offering a completely fresh puzzle experience that doesn't rely on words.

With Easy, Medium, and Hard puzzles released daily, Pips accommodates all skill levels. The intuitive interface features drag-and-drop controls and clear visual design, making it the most interactive and tactile game in the NYT collection.

Easy Difficulty Pips Hints and Answers for Aug 18, 2025

Pips Hints

The equals region forces multiple cells to have the same value

Pips Answers

Medium Difficulty Pips Hints and Answers for Aug 18, 2025

Pips Hints

The less than 13 constraint for cells summing three positions is key

Pips Answers

Hard Difficulty Pips Hints and Answers for Aug 18, 2025

Pips Hints

Less than 3 is very restrictive for the two-cell constraint

The equals regions provide strong starting points

Pips Answers

Pips Rules and Mechanics

Your task: fit all dominoes onto the board while satisfying every region's displayed condition.

Board Structure

The grid is divided into colored regions with rules shown in bottom-right corners, plus unrestricted blank areas. You'll place a provided set of dominoes.

Control System

• Drag tiles from your domino tray to any board location
• Tap dominoes to toggle between horizontal and vertical positions
• Every domino covers exactly two adjacent cells

Condition Glossary

Target Sum (number): All pips within this region must total the displayed value

All Equal (=): Every domino half must show the same number of pips

All Different (≠): Every domino half must show different pip quantities

Exceeds (>): Each domino half must have more pips than the threshold

Under (<): Each domino half must have fewer pips than the threshold

Border Placement Rule

Dominoes positioned across region boundaries must satisfy each region's rule independently for their respective halves. This requirement creates interesting logical relationships that define the puzzle's challenge level.

Success Strategies

Identify Constraint Bottlenecks

Begin solving in regions with the most limiting rules. Exact sum requirements and equality constraints naturally reduce possible placements, providing logical starting points.

Play Without Pressure

The game design eliminates time pressure and penalties. Experiment with different arrangements, learn from conflicts, and iterate toward the solution.

Leverage Blank Tiles

Zero-pip domino halves are more valuable than they appear. They're essential for "less than" constraints and achieving precise sums without overshooting.

Prioritize Cross-Region Placements

Dominoes bridging multiple regions typically determine the puzzle structure. Solve these placements carefully, ensuring both halves meet their respective regional requirements.