The latest edition of The New York Times ’ Connections: Sports Edition puzzle is live, and many players are seeking assistance. Today’s edition, released on February 6th as puzzle #501, focuses on the ongoing Winter Olympics and tests participants with four categories of interconnected words. This version of Connections is published by The Athletic, a subscription sports journalism outlet owned by The Times, and is available through The Athletic ’s app or online for free.
Puzzle Breakdown: Hints and Answers
The puzzle challenges players to identify four groups of four words each, where each group shares a common theme. The difficulty varies from straightforward yellow categories to more obscure purple ones.
Here’s a breakdown of the hints and answers:
- Yellow Category: Cities. The solution includes Cortina D’Ampezzo, Milan, Rome, and Turin – all Italian cities that have hosted the Winter Olympics.
- Green Category: Figure skating jumps. This grouping consists of Axel, Loop, Lutz, and Salchow – names of common figure skating jump techniques.
- Blue Category: Americans at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The answers are Chock, Malinin, Stolz, and Vonn – athletes representing the U.S. in the upcoming Olympic Games.
- Purple Category: Ski ____. The solution includes Cross, Jumping, Mountaineering, and Resort – all terms associated with skiing.
Tips for Success
Players new to Connections: Sports Edition may struggle with its unique logic. Here are a few strategies to improve performance:
- Consider Multiple Categories: Avoid jumping at the most obvious connections. Each word can fit into several sports-related themes, so think broadly before committing to a group.
- Be Aware of Dual Meanings: The puzzle often exploits words with multiple interpretations, including names and obscure sports terminology.
- Athlete Names Matter: Some words might appear to be common terms but are actually the last names of athletes, intended to mislead players.
Connections: Sports Edition often tests more than just sports knowledge, but also lateral thinking and pattern recognition. The puzzle’s design encourages players to explore unexpected links and consider the nuances of sports terminology.
This edition emphasizes Olympic themes and requires familiarity with both specific sports terminology and athlete recognition. By using the hints provided and following the suggested strategies, players can successfully complete the puzzle.
