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Home Archive 2025-12-18

Pips Answer for Thursday, December 18, 2025

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

Today's Answer Back to Archive
Progress 0/5 dominoes
=
>5
5
9
>5

Click a domino or a cell to reveal the answer

Solution & Analysis

Complete answers and solving insights for 2025-12-18

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NYT Pips easy answer for 2025-12-18

NYT Pips easy answer for 2025-12-18

=
>5
5
9
>5

Complete answer for 2025-12-18 (Easy)

I started by tackling the Easy puzzle, focusing on the sum region that needed to equal 9 at [1,4] and [2,4].

Knowing the available dominoes included [5,4], that was the only logical fit. From there, I looked at the greater-than clues, placing the 6 from the [3,6] domino in the [3,4] spot.

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NYT Pips medium answer for 2025-12-18

NYT Pips medium answer for 2025-12-18

>4
8
3
>4
6
8

Complete answer for 2025-12-18 (Medium)

For the Medium puzzle, the sum of 3 across three cells ([2,1], [2,2], [2,3]) was the key.

Since the available dominoes had specific values like [2,0] and [1,4], I had to carefully map out which halves could sit adjacent to each other without violating the sum constraints. The

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NYT Pips hard answer for 2025-12-18

NYT Pips hard answer for 2025-12-18

2
5
0
>2
4
≠
1
5
=
3
6
2
=
6
3
2

Complete answer for 2025-12-18 (Hard)

Hard puzzle was a real marathon. I focused on the 'unequal' region first, which is a massive six-cell block. I used the process of elimination to ensure no value repeated within that specific zone.

I also utilized the 'equals' region at [1,5], [1,6], and [2,6] to anchor the right side of the board. By cross-referencing the sum of 2 and sum of 6 constraints, I narrowed down the orientation of the [5,5] and [6,1] dominoes. It was a game of constant checking and re-checking until every piece clicked into place.

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What I Learned

This set really emphasized the importance of looking at the board as a whole rather than individual clusters. In the Hard puzzle, the 'unequal' region acted as a powerful constraint that dictated the placement of dominoes far outside its boundaries.

I also noticed a recurring pattern where 'empty' cells are often used to force a specific orientation of high-value dominoes, like the [6,6] or [5,5], which can't easily fit into tight sum regions. It's a great reminder that the absence of a clue is often a clue in itself.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to handle 'unequal' regions?
Treat them like a Sudoku block. List out the numbers you've already placed within those specific indices and ensure that any new domino half you add doesn't match a number already present.
How do you decide which domino to use when multiple sums are possible?
Look for the most restrictive clue first, usually a very high sum or a very low sum. These typically have only one or two possible domino combinations, which helps narrow down the rest of the board.
Are dominoes ever used twice in a single puzzle?
No, each domino listed in the data for a specific difficulty is used exactly once. Tracking which ones you've already 'placed' is a vital strategy for solving the harder levels.

How to Use This Board

1

Select a Domino

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

2

Place on Board

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

3

Rotate if Needed

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

4

Use Hints

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