The New York Times Connections puzzle continues its daily streak of clever wordplay and hidden associations. Connections #978 for February 13, 2026, delivers another engaging challenge that blends straightforward categories with subtle misdirection. If today’s board feels tricky, don’t worry — you’re not alone.

As always, the goal is to sort 16 words into four groups of four, where each group shares a specific connection. Some links are obvious, while others require creative thinking and careful elimination.

Below you’ll find structured hints to guide you without revealing direct answers.

How NYT Connections Works

In each Connections puzzle, players must:

• Examine 16 words
• Identify four sets of four words
• Discover the hidden theme linking each set

Connections can be based on:

• Meaning
• Shared function
• Wordplay
• Sound
• Visual similarity
• Common phrases

The challenge is that many words appear to belong in multiple groups, which creates confusion and false leads.

First Impressions of Connections #978

Today’s puzzle feels balanced but layered. At first glance, you may notice:

• Words that seem clearly related
• A potential sports or activity theme
• Some abstract words mixed in

However, if you group too quickly, you might hit a mistake warning. The puzzle rewards patience and flexibility.

Yellow Group Hint (Easiest)

Start by looking for words that share a clear and practical theme.

Ask yourself:

• Do these words belong in the same setting?
• Are they objects used together?
• Would they naturally appear in a list?

This category should feel grounded in real-world usage. Once identified, it will simplify the puzzle significantly.

Tip: The easiest group often contains words that feel straightforward and concrete.

Green Group Hint (Moderate Difficulty)

For this category, think about actions or behaviors.

Consider:

• Do these words describe something people do?
• Are they connected to reactions or responses?
• Could they describe a similar type of movement or emotion?

This group may not be instantly obvious. Try isolating words that function as verbs or describe change.

Blue Group Hint (Trickier)

Now look at how certain words might form common expressions.

Try:

• Adding the same word before or after several options.
• Seeing if recognizable phrases appear.
• Checking for compound terms.

When four words smoothly connect with the same extra word, that’s likely your category.

This group often creates a satisfying “aha!” moment.

Purple Group Hint (Hardest)

The purple category usually involves wordplay.

For today:

• Ignore literal definitions.
• Focus on spelling patterns or sound.
• Look for hidden similarities.

Possibilities include:

• Words that rhyme
• Words with similar endings
• Homophones
• Words that share a prefix or suffix

Saying them aloud can sometimes reveal the pattern.

Common Traps in Connections #978

Today’s puzzle includes a few clever distractions:

False Sports Theme

Some words may appear to belong to a sports-related category, but not all of them fit.

Overlapping Meanings

A few words can logically belong to two different groups.

Ignoring Wordplay

The hardest category often isn’t about meaning at all.

If you’re stuck, take a short break and revisit the board with fresh eyes.

Smart Strategy for Solving Today’s Puzzle

Here’s a reliable method:

Step 1: Identify Two Strong Pairs

Find two words that clearly connect.

Step 2: Expand to Four

Look for two additional words that match the same pattern.

Step 3: Confirm Carefully

Only submit when confident.

Step 4: Reevaluate Remaining Words

Once one group is locked, the remaining words become easier to analyze.

By the time three groups are confirmed, the final category usually reveals itself.

Why Connections Is So Popular

NYT Connections has gained popularity because it:

• Encourages critical thinking
• Rewards creativity
• Provides daily mental exercise
• Offers satisfying “click” moments

Unlike crossword puzzles, it doesn’t rely on clues — it challenges you to discover relationships independently.

Connections #978 continues that tradition by blending logic with subtle trickery.

Final Thoughts on February 13, 2026

If you solved today’s puzzle quickly, excellent work! If it took multiple attempts, that’s part of the fun. The key to mastering Connections is adaptability.

Remember:

• Think flexibly.
• Don’t rush.
• Consider multiple interpretations.

Tomorrow brings a brand-new puzzle and another opportunity to sharpen your skills.