NYT Pips Hints and Answers for Sep 11, 2025

NYT Pips launched in August 2025 as The New York Times' first original logic puzzle, bringing a refreshing change to their games portfolio. Instead of focusing on vocabulary like their other hits, Pips challenges players with number patterns and logical deduction using familiar domino tiles.

The game delivers three daily puzzles—Easy for quick wins, Medium for moderate challenge, and Hard for serious brain-teasers. Each puzzle is designed by human editors who craft experiences that feel personal and engaging, not randomly generated by algorithms.

Easy Difficulty Pips Hints and Answers for Sep 11, 2025

Pips Hints

Start with empty cells to eliminate placement options

Pips Answers

Medium Difficulty Pips Hints and Answers for Sep 11, 2025

Pips Hints

Multiple empty cells create natural boundaries for domino placement

Pips Answers

Hard Difficulty Pips Hints and Answers for Sep 11, 2025

Pips Hints

Multiple zero sum regions force specific domino placements immediately

Chain together multiple sum constraints to reveal the solution

Pips Answers

Understanding Pips

Win by placing every domino on the board according to the rules for each colored region.

The Playing Field

Puzzles consist of a grid with colored zones (each displaying a rule in the corner) and unrestricted white spaces. You're given a specific set of dominoes to work with.

How to Move Pieces

• Drag dominoes from the tray directly onto the board
• Tap any domino to flip its orientation 90 degrees
• Each domino tile must occupy two side-by-side squares

Rules Explained

Number Goal (like "8"): All pips in this region must sum to the exact number shown

Match (=): Every domino half in this region must have the same pip count

Mismatch (≠): Every domino half must have different pip counts

Above (>): Each domino half must show more pips than the number

Below (<): Each domino half must show fewer pips than the number

Dual-Region Dominoes

When a domino straddles two different colored regions, each end follows its own region's rule independently. This mechanic adds layers of complexity and makes the puzzle-solving more engaging.

Strategy Guide

Attack the Obvious First

Look for regions with strict limitations. Areas requiring specific totals or matching values have fewer valid solutions, making them perfect places to start your solve.

Don't Fear Failure

Pips encourages experimentation. Place dominoes, see what happens, and rearrange as needed. The journey to the solution is part of the fun.

Remember the Zeros

Blank domino halves might seem boring, but they're incredibly strategic. Use them in "less than" zones and when you need to hit exact sum targets without going over.

Think Multi-Dimensionally

When placing dominoes that touch multiple regions, visualize how each half satisfies its area's requirement. These boundary placements often crack open the entire puzzle.