Practice mode
Connections Practice Online
connections practice online here is just playing real NYT boards on our site — same one-away messages as the app, hints if you want them, and connections grouping help when you paste all 16 words. Free, no account.
Practice today's puzzle
On the homepage, tap four words and submit like you would on NYT. Wrong guesses tell you if you were one away. Reveal and Ask AI are there if you need a nudge — that's the connections solver without spoilers approach, not a list of every category.
Start connections practice on today's gridConnections replay puzzle & past boards
Use nyt connections past puzzles and choose any of the last 60 days. Each date runs connections replay puzzle the same way: play the grid, open one hint color, or paste words for help.
Open connections archive by dateWhen you are stuck on purple
Try connections purple hint today, read how to solve connections purple, or browse connections trap words and connections homograph from puzzles we have saved.
Learn the rules first
New to the game? Read how to play nyt connections for mistakes, colors, and connections one away strategy before you practice.
Frequently asked questions
What is connections practice online?+
You play a real grid here with one-away feedback, hints if you want them, and the solver when you paste 16 words. It does not touch your NYT streak. Try today's board on the homepage or pick a date in the archive.
Is connections practice free?+
Yes. Practice board, archive, and hints are free. No account needed.
How do I practice connections past puzzles?+
Open nyt connections past puzzles in the archive, tap a date, and play that board again. Hints and connections grouping help work the same as today.