Pips Answer for Monday, March 23, 2026
Complete NYT Pips puzzle solution with interactive board and expert analysis.
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Expert Puzzle Analysis
Deep insights from puzzle experts
A Sunny Start With Easy Mode
Nyt Pips easy answer for 2026-03-23
Answer for 2026-03-23
I started today with the easy grid and it was a lovely way to wake up. The first thing I noticed was that sum target of 1 in the top right at cell [0,3]. Since cell [1,3] is marked as an empty constraint in the regions list, I knew the domino for that spot had to provide a 1. Looking at my set, the [1,3] domino was the perfect fit to bridge [0,3] and [1,3], giving me that 1 right away.
After that, I focused on the equals regions. There is a long one stretching across [1,0], [1,1], and [1,2]. By placing the [0,0] domino across [1,1] and [1,2], I could match the 0 from the [1,0] side of the [0,4] domino. It felt like a little chain reaction. I finished up by placing the [5,4] domino in the bottom corner which satisfied that last sum constraint of 1 at [3,3] because of how the pips lined up with the neighboring [1,5] domino.
Finding Flow In The Middle
Nyt Pips medium answer for 2026-03-23
Answer for 2026-03-23
The medium puzzle definitely stepped up the game with those larger sum targets. I spent a good minute staring at the sum of 10 for cells [2,3] and [3,3]. I realized I needed two high-value dominoes to meet that. By placing the [5,1] domino at [2,3] and [2,2], and the [5,3] domino at [3,3] and [3,4], I hit that target of 10 perfectly. It was a relief to see those big numbers find a home.
The real trick was managing the empty cells at [3,2] and [4,2]. I placed the [4,2] domino there to connect them since they were both empty and next to each other in the grid. Once those were out of the way, the rest of the board started to make sense. I used the [4,1] and [2,3] dominoes to handle the other sum regions. It was all about finding which dominoes could reach those specific totals without blocking the empty spots.
Mastering The Final Grid
Nyt Pips hard answer for 2026-03-23
Answer for 2026-03-23
Wow, the hard puzzle today was a real brain teaser! The biggest thing that jumped out at me was the sum of 16 required for cells [7,2], [8,2], and [9,2]. That is a huge number for just three spots! I had to use the [6,2] domino at [6,2] and [7,2] and then follow it up with the [6,4] domino at [8,2] and [9,2]. Adding 6, 6, and 4 gave me exactly 16 and felt like a huge win.
Another tough spot was the equals region at [7,5], [8,5], and [9,5]. I struggled here for a bit until I saw how the [5,5] domino could sit nicely at [5,4] and [5,5]. This cleared the path to work on the sum of 12 at [5,4], [6,3], and [6,4] using the [3,4] domino. The breakthrough came when I finally placed the [1,2] domino near the top, which let everything else click into place. It was a long road, but seeing those last few dominoes fit perfectly was so satisfying.
Pro Tips for Today's Puzzle
Focus on the sum regions first, especially the very small or very large targets, because they have fewer domino combinations that work.
Also, keep a close eye on the empty cells since they act like blockers and help you narrow down where a domino must go. Don't be afraid to pull a domino back if you get stuck; sometimes one small change on the left side of the board opens up the whole right side.
What I Learned
I learned today that equals regions are actually your best friend when they are next to empty cells.
They really limit your options in a helpful way. I also noticed that in the hard puzzle, the way the high-value dominoes like [6,6] or [5,5] are placed often dictates the entire flow of the grid, so it is usually smart to plan around them early on to avoid getting boxed in later.