Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

NYT Launches Connections: Daily Puzzles with Sports Edition!

12/18/2025

39 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The New York Times has launched Connections, offering daily puzzles categorized by difficulty with hints.
The Connections Bot provides players with a numeric score and analysis of their performance.
A Sports Edition of Connections has been introduced, focusing on sports-related themes.
Players can access these puzzles through The Athletic's app or online.
The NYT Games team remains active on social media, sharing tips and behind-the-scenes content.

History

Historical Context

The New York Times published its first crossword puzzle on February 15, 1942, motivated by the need for distraction during World War II. Initially dismissed as frivolous, the puzzle gained immense popularity, becoming a daily feature by 1950. Today, the launch of Connections reflects the NYT's ongoing innovation in word games, engaging millions through digital platforms and maintaining its cultural significance.

1 of 2

Story summary

The New York Times has launched Connections, offering daily puzzles categorized by difficulty with hints.
The Connections Bot provides players with a numeric score and analysis of their performance.
A Sports Edition of Connections has been introduced, focusing on sports-related themes.
Players can access these puzzles through The Athletic's app or online.
The NYT Games team remains active on social media, sharing tips and behind-the-scenes content.

1 / 2