Issue #1071 Mon 2 Mar
Connections hints — March 2, 2026
Two direct groups anchor this grid, leaving a pair of wordplay traps to catch the unwary. Watch the violet column; three of its members are common household objects before they join a specific bird.
yellow group 7 nudges
Yellow group
Chalk dust on your palms, the sharp smell of resin, and the rhythmic thud of a landing mat.
Sports equipment
Examples of one named set
Members are 4–5 letters; first letters B, H, R, V.
GYMNASTICS APPARATUS
One is BEAM.
BEAM · HORSE · RINGS · VAULT
green group 7 nudges
Green group
A nameplate on a desk, a title on a door, or the order of arrival at the finish line.
Organizational hierarchy
Synonyms
Members are 4–8 letters; first letters P, R, S.
STATUS
One is POSITION.
POSITION · RANK · STANDING · STATION
blue group 7 nudges
Blue group
The sharp snap of a glove, the umpire's pointed hand, and the tension of a full count.
Sports terminology
Examples of one named set
Members are 4–6 letters; first letters B, F, S.
BASEBALL CALLS
One is BALL.
BALL · FOUL · SAFE · STRIKE
violet group 7 nudges
Violet group
The toy on the shelf, the snack in the bowl, or the dance floor classic that keeps the party moving.
Wordplay group
Each fills the same blank
Members are 5–7 letters; first letters F, P, R, S.
___ CHICKEN
One is FUNKY.
FUNKY · POPCORN · RUBBER · SPRING