Pips Answer for Thursday, April 2, 2026
Complete NYT Pips puzzle solution with interactive board and expert analysis.
Click a domino below or a cell on the board to reveal
Expert Puzzle Analysis
Deep insights from puzzle experts
Starting Small and Sweet
Nyt Pips easy answer for 2026-04-02
Answer for 2026-04-02
I started today by looking at the easy grid and immediately spotted that sum of 10 at the bottom. Since we only have a few dominoes like [5,0] and [5,3], I knew I needed some high numbers there. I placed the [2,0] and [3,0] domino first, which helped satisfy part of that sum. The unequal region on the left was also a huge help because it forced me to use different numbers in those four vertical cells, meaning I couldn't just guess and check with the same digits.
Once the left side was anchored, I focused on the equals region in the third column. Since those four cells at [0,2], [1,2], [2,2], and [3,2] all had to be the same value, it narrowed down my remaining dominoes significantly. I realized the [3,1] and [3,2] domino fit perfectly there to complete the sum of 10 while also filling one of those equal slots. It felt so satisfying when the last domino, the [0,1] and [0,2] pair, slid into place to finish the grid.
A Little Math in the Middle
Nyt Pips medium answer for 2026-04-02
Answer for 2026-04-02
The medium puzzle today felt like a bit of a math workout! The first thing that caught my eye was that big sum of 16 in the top left corner. To get a 16 out of just three cells at [0,0], [0,1], and [1,0], you really need to use your biggest numbers. I knew the [6,6] and [6,5] dominoes would have to be involved somewhere nearby. I spent a few minutes trying different spots for the [1,0] and [2,0] domino until the math finally clicked.
Things got much easier once I looked at the sum of 1 at cells [2,2] and [3,2]. There are only two ways to make a 1, so that really limited my choices for that bottom area. I paired the [3,3] and [3,2] domino there, which also helped solve the sum of 3 right next to it. Working from the bottom up and the top down, the middle section with the sum of 5 and 6 eventually just fell into place. It’s all about finding those tiny sums that only have one possible answer!
Tackling the Big One
Nyt Pips hard answer for 2026-04-02
Answer for 2026-04-02
Wow, the hard puzzle was quite the journey today! I felt a bit lost at first because the grid is so large, but I found my footing by looking for the sum of 0 at [6,4] and [7,4]. That has to be two zeros, which gave me a great starting point in the lower half of the board. I also looked at the greater than 9 region at [1,6] and [2,6]. Since the highest number on a domino is 6, I knew those two cells had to be a combination of high numbers like 4, 5, or 6.
The trickiest part was definitely the big unequal region in the center. With six cells at [4,3] through [5,5] all needing different values, I had to be really careful not to reuse any numbers while placing my dominoes. I hit a bit of a dead end near the top right, but once I realized the equals region at [0,4] and [1,4] had to use the [4,4] domino values, everything started to flow. The breakthrough moment was finally connecting the [5,5] and [5,6] domino to satisfy the equals constraint at the edge. It was a tough one, but sticking with those small clues really paid off.
Pro Tips for Today's Puzzle
Try to find the most restrictive regions first, like a sum of 0 or a very high sum that requires 6s.
These act as anchors for the rest of your grid. Also, keep a close eye on the unequal regions because they are great for ruling out dominoes you might have been planning to use elsewhere.
What I Learned
Today I realized how helpful the empty cells can be.
Even though you can't put anything in them, they act like walls that break the big grid into smaller, more manageable chunks. I also noticed that in the hard puzzle, the equals regions often act as bridges between two different areas, helping you jump from one solved section to the next.