Pips NYT

Pips NYT is the newest logic-challenging game. It requires players to fill a grid using a pool of digital dominoes. Unlike its well-known word sibling, Wordle, Pips is resolved solely through logic and math; every player must successfully satisfy the specific arithmetic constraints located in the color-coded regions across the board.

The Pips Rules: A Detailed Breakdown

The Board: The playing field is a grid that features multiple distinct color regions.

The Dominoes: Players receive a standard set of dominoes, each one displaying a pair of numbers (from 0 to 6) represented by Pips. To complete the puzzle, you must use all the supplied dominoes to fill the entire grid.

The Conditions: The grid's color regions carry mathematical constraints that the domino halves placed inside them must satisfy. A symbol or number in the region’s bottom right corner denotes the condition.

Tile Placement: You place a domino by dragging it from the available pool and dropping it onto the grid. If a tile requires rotation for proper alignment, tap it to turn it 90 degrees.

Understanding the Region Conditions

Number: If a region displays a number, the sum of all pips (dots) on the domino halves within that region must equal that specific number.

Example: A region marked "7" must contain pips that total 7. This could be satisfied by a domino with 5 and 2, or 4 and 3.

Equal (=): In a region featuring the equals sign, every single domino half must display the same number of pips.

Not Equal (≠): This condition dictates that all domino halves within the region must display different pip counts. No repeats are allowed.

Less Than (<): The total number of pips on the domino halves in this region must be less than the number shown.

Example: A region with <7 requires a total pip count of 6 or less.

Greater Than (>): The total number of pips on the domino halves in this region must be greater than the number shown.

Example: A region with > 1 must contain pips that total 2 or more.

Blank/Empty: Regions without a color or symbol have no conditions, allowing any correctly sized domino to be placed there.

Strategic Tips for Solving Pips

Start with the most restrictive conditions: Look for "anchor points"—those highly constrained regions where only one domino piece logically fits.

Target High Sums/Small Areas: Regions demanding a large total in a small area or requiring a double domino (like "6 + 6 = 12") are often the best starting points, as there are few ways to meet the condition.

Identify Unique Tiles: Double tiles (e.g., [6|6, 1|1]) or dominoes featuring a zero can usually be placed easily based on conditions and the process of elimination.

Employ Elimination: Once you place a domino, you remove it from the available pool, which helps clarify the correct placement of other tiles.

Look for Chain Reactions: Placing one domino correctly can unlock the solution to other regions, causing the puzzle to proceed logically.

Experiment Freely: You can move dominoes around at will. If a placement doesn't seem to work, you can always try a different combination. There is no penalty for an incorrect guess.