Home Archive 2025-11-26

Pips Answer for Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Complete NYT Pips puzzle solution with interactive board and expert analysis.

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Solution & Analysis

Complete answers and solving insights for 2025-11-26

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NYT Pips easy answer for 2025-11-26

Complete answer for 2025-11-26 (Easy)

Starting with the Easy puzzle, I immediately looked for the most restrictive rules. The sum target of 0 at (0,0) was a gift; it meant that cell had to be a 0. Since (0,0) was paired with (0,1) in the domino layout, I just had to find which domino fit.

I then focused on the equality constraint where (2,1), (3,1), and (4,1) all had to be the same value. Looking at my remaining dominoes like [4,1] and [4,0], it became clear how to orient them to satisfy the 'greater than 0' and 'greater than 2' conditions. Moving on to the

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NYT Pips medium answer for 2025-11-26

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Complete answer for 2025-11-26 (Medium)

Medium puzzle, the standout was the sum of 11 at (2,0) and (2,1). In dominoes, that almost always means a 5 and a 6. I placed those and then tackled the 'unequal' region.

This is where I have to be careful not to repeat any numbers in those four specific cells. By process of elimination and checking the 'less than 2' target at (3,3), the rest of the board clicked into place. Finally,

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NYT Pips hard answer for 2025-11-26

Complete answer for 2025-11-26 (Hard)

for the Hard puzzle, I spent a good five minutes staring at the 4-cell equality region. When four cells across the bottom left must have the same value, it severely limits your options. I also noticed the sum of 15 at (3,3), (3,4), and (4,3).

Since 15 is a high number for three cells, I knew I needed to use my 5s and 6s there. I worked backward from the 'empty' cells at the bottom, which acted as anchors, ensuring I didn't place any pips where they weren't allowed. It was a bit like a jigsaw puzzle where the shapes are pips and the colors are math rules.

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What I Learned

One big thing I learned today is that 'Empty' regions are actually your best friends. Even though they don't give you a number, they tell you exactly where you *can't* put things, which narrows down the orientation of the dominoes significantly.

I also realized that in the Hard puzzles, finding the largest sum region (like the 15 today) usually dictates where your high-value dominoes like the [6,5] or [5,4] must go. If you save those for last, you'll usually get stuck. Another tricky move was managing the 'unequal' constraint in the Medium puzzle; it's easy to accidentally double up on a number when you're focusing on a nearby sum.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the 'Empty' region type actually mean?

It means no pips can be placed in that specific cell. It's a restriction that helps you figure out how to rotate and place your dominoes around it.

How do I handle a sum target with only one cell?

If a region has only one cell and a sum target, the number of pips in that cell must exactly match the target. It's the simplest way to get a guaranteed start.

What is the best strategy for the 4-cell equality regions in the Hard puzzle?

Look at your available dominoes and see which number appears most frequently. Since all four cells must be the same, you need a digit that is available on multiple domino faces or both sides of a double.

Does the order of the dominoes in the list matter?

No, the list shows you which dominoes you have to use, but you can place them in any order and rotate them however you need to fit the grid rules.

How to Use This Board

Select a Domino

Tap any domino from the tray below the board to select it

Place on Board

Tap a cell on the board where you think it belongs. If correct, both cells reveal!

Rotate if Needed

Tap a selected domino again to rotate it, or use the rotate button

Use Hints

Stuck? Use the Hint button to reveal one domino, or Solve All to see everything