The New York Times Connections puzzle continues to challenge players with clever word groupings and subtle traps. Connections #977 for February 12, 2026, is another engaging brain teaser that requires patience, pattern recognition, and flexible thinking. Some categories may appear obvious at first glance, while others require you to think beyond direct meanings.

If you’re stuck and looking for helpful hints without spoilers, this guide will walk you through today’s puzzle step by step — without revealing the answers outright.

How NYT Connections Works

In Connections game, players are given 16 words. The goal is to divide them into four groups of four, where each group shares a common link. The connection might be based on:

• Meaning
• Function
• Wordplay
• Sound
• Appearance
• Common phrases

The difficulty comes from the fact that several words seem like they could fit into multiple groups. Today’s puzzle is a perfect example of that design.

First Impressions of Connections #977

At first glance, today’s board may look balanced and manageable. However, once you begin grouping words, you may notice:

• Overlapping meanings
• Words that fit in more than one theme
• A tricky final category

Connections #977 rewards players who slow down and analyze each word carefully rather than guessing quickly.

Yellow Group Hint (Easiest Category)

Start by scanning for words that clearly belong to a shared environment or setting.

Ask yourself:

• Would these words naturally appear together?
• Are they related to the same activity?
• Do they belong to a specific place or situation?

This group should feel practical and grounded in real-life usage. Once you spot it, lock it in to simplify the remaining puzzle.

Tip: The easiest group usually jumps out once you read all 16 words twice.

Green Group Hint (Moderate Difficulty)

The green category requires you to think about a shared characteristic, not necessarily a direct theme.

Consider:

• Do these words describe a similar action?
• Are they connected by a type of behavior?
• Do they share a common purpose?

This group may not be obvious immediately. It often becomes clearer after removing the easiest set first.

Strategy: After confirming one group, re-examine the remaining 12 words with fresh eyes.

Blue Group Hint (Challenging)

Now things get interesting.

For this category, try thinking about how words are used in common expressions.

Ask:

• Can these words pair with the same word before or after them?
• Do they form recognizable phrases?
• Are they part of idioms?

Sometimes adding a simple word mentally will suddenly make the pattern clear.

If something “clicks” unexpectedly, you’re likely on the right track.

Purple Group Hint (Hardest Category)

As usual, the purple group is the most creative and deceptive.

For this one:

• Forget literal meanings.
• Focus on sound or spelling.
• Look for subtle patterns.

Possibilities include:

• Rhyming words
• Words with similar endings
• Homophones
• Word fragments

Say each word out loud. Hearing them can reveal patterns that reading silently does not.

Common Traps in Connections #977

Today’s puzzle contains some clever misdirection. Here are common mistakes players might make:

False Thematic Grouping

Some words appear to belong together but actually connect elsewhere.

Ignoring Wordplay

The hardest category is rarely about simple definitions.

Overthinking

Sometimes the connection is simpler than expected.

If you find yourself stuck, pause for a minute and reset your thinking style.

A Smart Solving Method for Today

Here’s a proven approach to solving Connections puzzles:

Step 1: Identify Obvious Pairs

Look for two words that clearly connect.

Step 2: Expand the Pair

Find two more words that match the same theme.

Step 3: Test Carefully

Submit the group only if you’re confident.

Step 4: Eliminate and Re-evaluate

Once a group is confirmed, remove it mentally and reassess the remaining words.

By the time you’ve solved three groups, the final four will usually reveal their hidden link.

Why Players Love NYT Connections

Connections has quickly become one of the most popular daily puzzles because it combines:

• Vocabulary knowledge
• Logical reasoning
• Pattern recognition
• Creativity

Unlike crosswords, it doesn’t rely on clues. Instead, it tests your ability to discover hidden relationships.

Connections #977 continues that tradition beautifully, offering a mix of straightforward and tricky categories.

Final Thoughts on February 12, 2026 Puzzle

If you solved today’s puzzle quickly, congratulations — your pattern recognition skills are sharp. If you needed multiple attempts, that’s completely normal. The beauty of Connections lies in its ability to challenge even experienced players.

Remember:

• Don’t rush.
• Don’t assume.
• Stay flexible.

Every puzzle improves your ability to spot patterns faster the next time.

Tomorrow brings a brand-new challenge — and another opportunity to sharpen your mind.