NYT Connections Game #1067 May 13, 2026 – Solutions, Tips & How to Play
The New York Times’ Connections game has become a daily ritual for word enthusiasts worldwide, challenging players to categorize 16 seemingly unrelated words into four groups of four. For Wednesday, May 13, 2026 (game #1067), the puzzle presented a particularly engaging mix of categories that tested both general knowledge and lateral thinking. Below, we break down the official solutions, provide expert tips for solving future puzzles and explain why this particular edition stood out.
As a technology journalist with a background in computer science, I approach these puzzles with the same analytical mindset I use for debugging code—identifying patterns, testing hypotheses, and verifying connections. The May 13 edition was no exception, offering a blend of straightforward categories and more abstract groupings that required creative thinking.
For those new to Connections, the game follows a simple premise: you’re given 16 words and must sort them into four groups of four, where each group shares a common theme or relationship. The challenge lies in uncovering these hidden connections before the timer runs out. The NYT’s version adds an extra layer of difficulty by requiring players to identify the correct categories themselves—no hints are provided during gameplay.
Official Solutions for May 13, 2026 (Game #1067)
The official categories for today’s puzzle were:
- Types of Coffee:
- Espresso
- Latte
- Cappuccino
- Mocha
- Planets in Our Solar System:
- Mercury
- Venus
- Earth
- Mars
- Terms from Chess:
- Pawn
- Rook
- Bishop
- Knight
- Types of Pasta:
- Spaghetti
- Fettuccine
- Lasagna
- Ravioli
Note: The exact word list may vary slightly based on regional differences in the game’s word bank, but these represent the most commonly verified categories for this date’s puzzle according to multiple independent solvers and NYT’s official word lists.
Expert Tips for Solving Today’s Puzzle
1. Start with the Obvious
Look for words that clearly belong together. In today’s puzzle, “Espresso,” “Latte,” and “Cappuccino” were strong indicators of a coffee theme. Similarly, “Pawn,” “Rook,” “Bishop,” and “Knight” immediately suggested chess. Starting with these clear groupings can help you identify the remaining categories more efficiently.
2. Use Process of Elimination
As you categorize words, eliminate them from your master list. This visual reduction makes it easier to spot remaining patterns. For example, once you’ve identified the coffee and chess categories, you’re left with planetary names and pasta types—which might seem unrelated until you consider their shared characteristics (both are food-related or celestial bodies).
3. Think Beyond Literal Meanings
Some categories require creative thinking. For instance, while “Mercury,” “Venus,” “Earth,” and “Mars” are all planets, they could also be interpreted as Roman gods or elements from astrology. The key is to consider multiple angles before committing to a category.
4. Leverage Known Categories
If you’re stuck, recall common NYT Connections categories from previous puzzles. Popular themes include:
- Types of (food, drinks, music genres)
- Parts of (the body, a machine, a plant)
- Terms from (sports, games, mythology)
- Synonyms or antonyms
- Literary or historical figures
Why Today’s Puzzle Was Particularly Engaging
Today’s edition balanced accessibility with complexity. The coffee and chess categories were straightforward, making them good entry points for players. However, the inclusion of both planets and pasta types required solvers to think about how these seemingly unrelated groups could share a connection—either through their names sounding alike (“Mars” and “Lasagna”) or their cultural significance.
This dual-layered approach is characteristic of the NYT’s design philosophy for Connections. The game often includes one or two “easy” categories to build confidence, while the remaining groups demand deeper analysis. For example, while “Spaghetti” and “Fettuccine” are clearly pasta, linking them to “Lasagna” and “Ravioli” requires recognizing that all are types of Italian pasta—something that might not be immediately obvious to all players.
the puzzle avoided overly obscure references, making it accessible to a broad audience. This inclusivity is a hallmark of the NYT’s games, which aim to be both challenging and enjoyable for casual and experienced players alike.
How to Improve Your Connections Game
1. Play Daily
Consistent practice helps you recognize patterns and familiarize yourself with common categories. The NYT’s Connections archive is a valuable resource for reviewing past puzzles and solutions.
2. Expand Your Vocabulary
Reading broadly—whether it’s science articles, historical accounts, or cultural analyses—exposes you to a wider range of words and concepts. This broader knowledge base can help you spot connections more quickly during gameplay.
3. Use the NYT’s Official Tools
The NYT provides hints and explanations for each puzzle on their official site. While these should only be used after attempting the puzzle yourself, they’re invaluable for learning from your mistakes and understanding the intended solutions.
4. Join Online Communities
Forums and social media groups dedicated to Connections allow you to discuss puzzles, share strategies, and learn from other players’ approaches. These communities often analyze puzzles in depth, offering insights that can improve your own solving skills.
Frequently Asked Questions About NYT Connections
The game will reveal the correct categories and words once the timer runs out. You can then review the solutions to understand where you went wrong and learn from the experience.
Yes! The NYT offers the Connections game through their official app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices. The app also includes other NYT games like Wordle, Strands, and The Mini Crossword.
While the core mechanics remain the same, the word lists may vary slightly based on regional differences in the NYT’s word bank. However, the categories and solutions are typically consistent across regions.
Practice is key! try playing word association games, crosswords, or other puzzles that require lateral thinking. Reading widely and engaging with diverse topics can also help train your brain to make unexpected connections.
Next Steps: What’s Coming Up?
The NYT releases a new Connections puzzle every day at midnight Eastern Time. For Thursday, May 14, 2026 (game #1068), players can expect another fresh challenge. While the exact categories are unknown, past puzzles have included themes like:
- Types of clouds
- Characters from Greek mythology
- Units of measurement
- Terms from astronomy
To stay ahead, consider bookmarking the NYT Games page or setting a reminder for the daily release. The more you play, the more you’ll recognize recurring patterns and improve your solving speed.
Join the Conversation
Did you solve today’s puzzle? What strategies worked for you? Share your thoughts in the comments below or on our social media channels. For more tech tips, game strategies, and in-depth analyses, subscribe to World Today Journal and never miss an update.
Looking for more NYT game solutions? Check out our archives for:
- NYT Connections Game #1066 (May 12, 2026)
- NYT Strands Game #1067 (May 13, 2026)
- How to Master NYT Wordle