On August 20, 2025, puzzle fans across the globe woke up—or perhaps stayed up late—for the daily brainteaser that has quickly become a staple of the New York Times Games section: Connections. Since its launch in June 2023, Connections has cemented its status alongside Wordle as a viral sensation, drawing word-game enthusiasts and casual solvers alike to test their wits with a deceptively simple premise: identify the "common threads between words." But as anyone who’s played can attest, the challenge is anything but straightforward, especially when the puzzle writers, led by associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu, decide to up the ante.
Wednesday’s puzzle, #801, was no exception. According to Parade, the day’s offering came with a difficulty rating of 2.5 out of 5—solidly in the middle, but with enough curveballs to stump even seasoned players. The format, as always, presented sixteen words that needed to be sorted into four groups of four, each group linked by a subtle, sometimes sneaky, connection. And, as Mashable notes, players only get four mistakes before the game ends, adding a dash of pressure to every guess.
The four categories for August 20 were: black-and-white things, pairs of rods, things that rotate about a vertical axis, and rods that curve at one end. The answers, which had some players scratching their heads, offered a satisfying “aha!” moment once revealed. For the black-and-white things, the correct group was domino, piano keys, yin-yang symbol, and zebra. The pairs of rods consisted of chopsticks, claves, knitting needles, and ski poles. Things that rotate about a vertical axis included barber pole, carousel, ceiling fan, and lazy Susan. And finally, rods that curve at one end were candy cane, crochet hook, crook, and crowbar.
Hints for the puzzle, as shared by CNET and Mashable, ranged from the straightforward to the cryptic. For the yellow (easiest) group, players were told to “focus on color,” which pointed to the black-and-white theme. The green group’s hint—“focus on number”—was a nod to the pairs of rods, while blue (“focus on movement”) referred to the items that spin, and purple (“focus on shape”) hinted at the rods with a curve. These subtle nudges are part of what makes Connections so engaging: the clues are just enough to get the gears turning, but rarely so obvious as to give the game away.
Players have taken to social media with their results, sharing colorful grids reminiscent of Wordle’s iconic squares. As Mashable explains, the game’s color-coding system—yellow for the easiest group, followed by green, blue, and purple for the most difficult—adds another layer of strategy. “Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media,” the outlet notes, fueling friendly competition and a sense of community among solvers.
For those who crave even more analysis, the Times now offers a Connections Bot, as reported by CNET. Registered players can track their progress, compare their win streaks, and even receive a numeric score and answer analysis after each puzzle. This feature has given rise to a dedicated following, with players posting their solve grids and debating the day’s difficulty in forums and comment sections. According to The New York Times itself, “Players can post their solve grids and compare scores with others,” fostering a lively, supportive atmosphere where newcomers and veterans alike can commiserate over tough puzzles or celebrate a perfect run.
What makes Connections so compelling, beyond its clever wordplay, is the variety of connections that can stump even the sharpest minds. As CNET recounts, previous puzzles have included themes like “things you can set” (mood, record, table, volleyball) and “one in a dozen” (egg, juror, month, rose). The August 20 puzzle’s categories, while seemingly straightforward, required both lateral thinking and a keen eye for detail. For example, recognizing that “carousel” and “lazy Susan” both rotate about a vertical axis isn’t immediately obvious, especially when grouped with “barber pole” and “ceiling fan.” Similarly, the “rods that curve at one end” category might trip up players who don’t immediately associate a crowbar with a candy cane or a crochet hook.
Hints and tips abound for those seeking to up their game. Mashable suggests rearranging and shuffling the board to spot connections more easily, while Parade encourages players to “think of animals, prints/patterns, and classic television or photography styles” for certain categories. These strategies, along with the daily hints provided by various outlets, help level the playing field and make the game accessible to a broad audience.
The social aspect of Connections cannot be overstated. As The New York Times describes, the puzzle’s community is vibrant and inclusive, with forums dedicated to sharing hints, emotional support, and even technical troubleshooting. “Welcome to today’s Connections forum, where you can give and receive puzzle — and emotional — support,” the Times quipped, highlighting the camaraderie that has sprung up around the game. Players are encouraged to be kind and civil, and the comments are moderated to maintain a positive environment.
For those who didn’t manage to solve the puzzle on August 20, there’s always tomorrow. “Don’t feel down if you didn’t manage to guess it this time,” Mashable reassures. “There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we’ll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.” The game’s daily reset at midnight ensures a fresh challenge each day, keeping even the most devoted players on their toes.
With its blend of clever wordplay, strategic thinking, and social engagement, Connections has firmly established itself as a must-play for puzzle lovers everywhere. Whether you’re a casual solver looking for a quick mental workout or a die-hard fan chasing a perfect streak, the August 20 puzzle was a reminder of why so many have made Connections a daily ritual. The joy of discovery, the agony of a near miss, and the satisfaction of cracking the code—all in a day’s play.
