The NYT Connections puzzle has become a daily ritual for word game enthusiasts, offering a fresh challenge each day. On October 10, 2025, Puzzle #852 tested players’ ability to group 16 words into four sets based on hidden relationships. Whether you’re a seasoned solver or a newcomer, this guide provides all the hints, answers, and strategies to conquer today’s puzzle.
Understanding the Puzzle Structure
Each NYT Connections puzzle presents 16 words that players must categorize into four groups of four. The challenge lies in identifying the common theme linking each group. The difficulty level varies, with some categories being straightforward and others requiring more abstract thinking.
For Puzzle #852, the categories were color-coded by difficulty:
Yellow (easiest): “Significant”
Green: “One in a Septet”
Blue: “Tarot Cards (with ‘The’)”
Purple (hardest): “____ Eye”
Hints for Each Category
To assist players, the NYT provides hints for each category. For October 10, 2025, the hints were:
Yellow: “It matters”
Green: “Seven”
Blue: “Tell the future”
Purple: “Where you wear glasses”
These hints guide players toward identifying the common themes in each group.
Solutions for Puzzle #852
Here are the solutions for each category:
Yellow Group – Significant: Words that mean “important” or “meaningful.”
Big
Important
Major
Serious
Green Group – One in a Septet: Things that are part of a group of seven.
Continent
Deadly Sin
Sister
Wonder
Blue Group – Tarot Cards (with ‘The’): Tarot cards that include “The” in their names.
Devil
Lovers
Magician
Star
Purple Group – ____ Eye: Common phrases that precede “eye.”
Evil
Magic
Naked
Third
Strategies for Solving NYT Connections Puzzles
To improve your performance in future puzzles, consider the following strategies:
Start with the Obvious: Begin by identifying the easiest category, often the yellow group. This can provide a foundation for solving the other groups.
Look for Synonyms: Words with similar meanings often belong to the same group. For example, “big,” “important,” “major,” and “serious” all convey a sense of significance.
Consider Cultural References: Some categories may require knowledge of specific cultural or historical references. For instance, recognizing that “Devil,” “Lovers,” “Magician,” and “Star” are Tarot cards can help in grouping them correctly.
Think Abstractly: Some categories, like “____ Eye,” may involve common phrases or idioms. Being familiar with such expressions can aid in identifying the correct groupings.
Practice Regularly: The more you play, the better you’ll become at spotting patterns and connections. Regular practice can enhance your problem-solving skills and speed.
NYT Connections Puzzle #852 offered a balanced mix of straightforward and challenging categories, testing players’ vocabulary, cultural knowledge, and abstract thinking skills. By understanding the hints, solutions, and strategies provided in this guide, you can approach future puzzles with confidence and improve your performance.
Remember, the key to mastering NYT Connections is practice and persistence. Keep playing, and you’ll continue to enhance your problem-solving abilities and enjoy the satisfaction of completing each puzzle.
