Introduction: NYT Pips is The New York Times' first original pure logic puzzle game, created by Zach Barth (SpaceChem, Opus Magnum). Since its launch in August 2024, it has become a favorite daily challenge for puzzle enthusiasts. This comprehensive guide will help you master the domino placement puzzle!
Table of Contents
- Getting Started - The Basics
- Game Rules & Mechanics
- Understanding Regional Conditions
- Essential Strategies
- Advanced Techniques
- Pro Tips & Tricks
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mastering Each Difficulty Level
Getting Started - The Basics
NYT Pips is a domino placement puzzle where you strategically position dominoes on a grid while satisfying mathematical conditions within colored regions.
How to Play - Video Tutorial
Watch this official tutorial to see the game mechanics in action
Game Objective
The primary goal is to place all available dominoes on the game board while ensuring each colored region satisfies its specific mathematical condition. Every puzzle can be solved through pure logical deduction.
What are Dominoes?
Each domino consists of two halves, each displaying 0-6 dots (called "pips"). Unlike traditional domino games, touching dominoes don't need matching numbers - the focus is entirely on satisfying regional mathematical conditions.
Game Rules & Mechanics
Basic Controls
Desktop
- Drag and Drop: Click and hold a domino, then drag it to the grid
- Rotate: Click any domino to rotate it 90 degrees clockwise
- Remove: Click a placed domino to return it to available pieces
- Undo: Ctrl+Z (Cmd+Z on Mac) to undo your last move
Mobile
- Place: Tap a domino, then tap the grid location
- Rotate: Tap any domino to rotate it
- Remove: Tap a placed domino to remove it
Daily Puzzle Structure
NYT Pips releases three new puzzles every day:
- Easy: Smaller grids (4x4 or 5x5) with straightforward conditions
- Medium: Larger grids (6x6 or 7x7) with complex interactions
- Hard: Large grids (7x7 or 8x8) requiring advanced logical deduction
Understanding Regional Conditions
The game board is divided into colored regions, each with a mathematical rule that domino halves within that region must satisfy:
Condition Types
Equal (=)
All domino halves in the region must show the same number of pips. For example, if one half shows 4 pips, every other half in that region must also show 4 pips.
Not Equal (≠)
All domino halves must show different numbers. No two halves in the region can have the same pip count.
Sum (number)
The total of all pips in the region must equal the specified value. For example, "Sum: 12" means all pip counts must add up to exactly 12.
Greater Than (> n)
All domino halves must show more than n pips. For example, "> 3" means every half must show 4, 5, or 6 pips.
Less Than (< n)
All domino halves must show fewer than n pips. For example, "< 4" means every half must show 0, 1, 2, or 3 pips.
Blank Regions
No restrictions - any domino half can be placed here. These are perfect for "leftover" dominoes.
Essential Strategies
1. Start with Constraints
Begin by identifying the most restrictive regions - those with the fewest possible solutions. Single-cell regions, "equal" conditions, and exact sum targets often have limited placement options.
2. Process of Elimination
For "not equal" regions, track which numbers have been placed. If a region requires all different values and already contains 3 and 5, no other domino half in that region can show 3 or 5 pips.
3. Calculate Sum Combinations
For sum-based regions, mentally calculate which combinations of available dominoes can achieve the target. Consider both the total and the number of cells in the region.
4. Identify Multi-Region Dominoes
Dominoes that must span multiple regions are heavily constrained. They must satisfy both regions' conditions simultaneously, making them excellent candidates for early placement.
5. Save Blank Regions for Last
Blank regions with no restrictions are flexible placement areas. Use them for dominoes that don't fit elsewhere in your solution.
Advanced Techniques
Constraint Propagation
When you place a domino, it affects what can be placed in connected regions. Track how each placement limits future options and use this to guide your next moves.
Working Backwards
Sometimes it's easier to identify where dominoes CAN'T go. Eliminate impossible placements first, then work with what remains.
Pattern Recognition
After solving many puzzles, you'll recognize common region configurations and their typical solutions. Use this experience to solve similar setups faster.
The Corner-Edge-Center Approach
Work from the outside in:
- Solve corner regions (most constrained)
- Tackle edge regions
- Fill interior spaces last
Pro Tips & Tricks
- Rotation Matters: Each domino can be rotated 90 degrees. Always consider both orientations before deciding a piece won't fit.
- Count Your Dominoes: Know how many dominoes you have and how many cells need filling. This helps identify when solutions aren't working.
- Region Size = Clue: A region with 5 cells and "Not Equal" condition needs 5 different numbers. That's a huge constraint!
- Immediate Feedback: The game tells you instantly if you violate a region's condition. Use this to test hypotheses quickly.
- No Penalties for Mistakes: You can undo moves freely. Don't be afraid to experiment with different placements.
- Time Targets are Optional: Focus on solving correctly first. Speed comes with practice and pattern recognition.
- Build Your Streak: Completing puzzles daily builds problem-solving momentum and improves your pattern recognition skills.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Forgetting that dominoes spanning multiple regions must satisfy BOTH conditions is a common error. Always check both halves before placing.
In "Not Equal" regions, it's easy to accidentally place duplicate numbers. Keep mental notes of which numbers you've already used.
A domino with [2|5] is different from [5|2] when placed. Rotation opens up placement options you might miss otherwise.
Placing dominoes without considering constraints leads to unsolvable situations. Always have a logical reason for each placement.
Mastering Each Difficulty Level
Easy Puzzles (3-7 minutes)
Perfect for learning mechanics and building confidence. Focus on understanding how regional conditions work and how dominoes interact with multiple regions.
Medium Puzzles (8-15 minutes)
Require planning 2-3 moves ahead. Look for domino placements that open up multiple subsequent options rather than limiting your choices.
Hard Puzzles (15-30 minutes)
Demand systematic logical deduction. Use constraint propagation, elimination, and sometimes trial-and-error to find the solution. Don't rush - these are meant to be challenging!
Conclusion
NYT Pips is a brilliant logic puzzle that rewards careful thinking and systematic problem-solving. Created by master puzzle designer Zach Barth, it offers daily challenges that are accessible to beginners yet deeply satisfying for experts.
The key to mastery is understanding that every puzzle is solvable through pure logical deduction. Start with the most constrained regions, track your placements carefully, and don't be afraid to experiment. With practice, you'll develop pattern recognition skills that make even Hard puzzles feel manageable.