NYT Pips Hints and Answers for Sep 30, 2025

NYT Pips made its debut on August 18, 2025, marking The New York Times' first foray into original logic puzzles. The game merges nostalgic domino gameplay with modern puzzle design, creating a fresh challenge that emphasizes logic over language.

Pips offers three daily puzzles across Easy, Medium, and Hard levels, taking anywhere from a few minutes to challenge even experienced solvers. Its intuitive drag-and-drop system and interactive tutorial make it approachable for newcomers while providing depth for puzzle enthusiasts.

Easy Difficulty Pips Hints and Answers for Sep 30, 2025

Pips Hints

Start with empty cells to eliminate placement options

Pips Answers

Medium Difficulty Pips Hints and Answers for Sep 30, 2025

Pips Hints

Multiple empty cells create natural boundaries for domino placement

Pips Answers

Hard Difficulty Pips Hints and Answers for Sep 30, 2025

Pips Hints

Identify forced placements by finding cells with only one valid domino

Solve corner or edge regions first, then work toward the center

Pips Answers

Pips Gameplay Guide

Your goal: successfully place all dominoes while adhering to each area's specific constraints.

Game Layout

The puzzle board contains colored regions labeled with rules in the bottom-right corners, plus neutral areas without restrictions. A collection of dominoes is provided for placement.

Interaction Methods

• Drag-and-drop dominoes from your tray onto the grid
• Single tap rotates any domino between horizontal and vertical
• All dominoes must cover two connected squares

Constraint Categories

Sum Value (number displayed): The total of all pips in this region must equal this number

Equality (=): All domino halves must display identical pip numbers

Inequality (≠): All domino halves must display different pip numbers

Minimum (>): Each domino half must contain more pips than stated

Maximum (<): Each domino half must contain fewer pips than stated

Spanning Regions

Dominoes placed across region borders have each half governed by its corresponding region's rule. This creates complex interactions that require careful planning and logical deduction.

Solution Techniques

Focus on Limited Options

Begin with regions that have few possible configurations. Sum-specific and equality zones dramatically reduce valid placements, offering clear starting moves.

Test Hypotheses Freely

With no penalties for incorrect placements, use the board as your workspace. Try arrangements, observe conflicts, and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Exploit Zero Values

Blank domino sides are particularly useful in "less than" regions and when achieving precise sum totals. Don't overlook these seemingly simple tiles.

Solve Boundary Puzzles

Dominoes crossing regional lines often serve as linchpins in the solution. Work out these placements carefully, ensuring both halves meet their respective requirements.