Pips Answer for Thursday, April 2, 2026
Complete NYT Pips puzzle solution with interactive board and expert analysis.
Click a domino or a cell to reveal the answer
Solution & Analysis
Complete answers and solving insights for 2026-04-02
Starting Small and Sweet
NYT Pips easy answer for 2026-04-02
Complete answer for 2026-04-02 (Easy)
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
Complete answer for 2026-04-02 (Medium)
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
Complete answer for 2026-04-02 (Hard)
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you solve NYT Pips puzzles?
What does the unequal constraint mean in Pips?
Are there any tricks for the hard Pips puzzles?
What is an equals region in NYT Pips?
Can dominoes be rotated in Pips?
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