Home Archive 2025-12-28

Pips Answer for Sunday, December 28, 2025

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

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Solution & Analysis

Complete answers and solving insights for 2025-12-28

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NYT Pips easy answer for 2025-12-28

Complete answer for 2025-12-28 (Easy)

I jumped into the Easy puzzle first to get my brain moving. I immediately spotted the 'Sum 5' constraint at (3,0) and the 'Equals' constraint for (4,0) and (4,1). Since (4,0) and (4,1) are a single domino, they had to be a double.

Looking at my set, the [2,2] domino was the only double available, so that was an easy placement. From there, I saw that (4,2) needed a sum of 4, and since it was part of a domino with (3,2), I checked the [3,4] domino. Putting the 4 at (4,2) worked perfectly.

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NYT Pips medium answer for 2025-12-28

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Complete answer for 2025-12-28 (Medium)

For the Medium puzzle, the 'Sum 0' at (2,0) was a total gift. It meant the 0 from the [2,0] domino had to be there, which instantly placed the 2 at (2,1).

I then focused on the 'Sum 8' region in the middle-right. That's a big sum for a few cells, so I looked for my high-value dominoes like [6,2]. The

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NYT Pips hard answer for 2025-12-28

Complete answer for 2025-12-28 (Hard)

Hard puzzle was a different story. I started by looking for the 'Sum 15' regions. With only three cells per region, you're usually looking for high numbers like 6, 5, and 4.

I found that the dominoes [6,5], [4,5], and [0,5] were key to satisfying those high sums. The 'Equals' region at the very bottom (6,0, 6,1, 7,0, 7,1) was the anchor for the whole grid. It required a double domino, and once I placed the [4,4] there, the rest of the bottom half started to fall into place. It's all about finding that one 'forced' move and following the ripple effect.

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What I Learned

This set really taught me the value of looking for 'empty' regions early on. In the Hard puzzle, the empty spots at (3,1), (4,3), and (5,1) act as blockers that limit where you can place certain dominoes.

I also realized that 'Greater than' constraints are much more powerful than they look. For example, 'Greater than 4' at (0,2) narrowed down my choices to basically just 5 or 6, which helped me decide which end of a domino went where. A tricky move was in the Medium puzzle where the 'Unequal' region forced me to be very careful with the [1,1] double; I had to make sure it didn't clash with the surrounding sums or the 'Greater than 3' rule.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to start a Pips puzzle?

Always look for the 'Equals' regions that cover a single domino first. These are almost always doubles (like 2-2 or 4-4). Once you place a double, it usually gives you a solid anchor to build from.

How do 'Sum' regions work if they only have one cell?

If a sum region is just one cell, that cell must contain exactly that number. It’s the easiest type of clue because it tells you exactly which half of a domino must go in that spot.

What should I do if I get stuck on the Hard puzzle?

Look for the largest 'Sum' regions. In today's hard puzzle, the Sum 15 regions were the key. There are only a few combinations of domino pips that can add up to 15 in three cells, which helps eliminate most of your lower-value dominoes from those areas.

Does the orientation of the domino matter?

Yes, absolutely! The numbers on a domino can't be swapped between the two cells they occupy once the domino is placed. Choosing whether the 6 or the 2 goes into a specific sum region is often the difference between solving the puzzle and getting stuck.

How to Use This Board

Select a Domino

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