Issue #1197 Sun 20 Sep
NYT Connections Hints & Answer — September 20, 2026
This grid offers a steady, deliberate pace for those who prefer to organize their thoughts before clicking. Keep an eye on the edges, as the connections here rely on simple, physical characteristics.
yellow group 7 hints
Yellow group hints
Finding a flat, circular object in the junk drawer that isn't a coin or a button.
Physical geometry
Items sharing one feature
Members are 7–11 letters; first letters B, C, S, T.
ROUND FLAT THINGS
One is BLU-RAY.
BLU-RAY · COASTER · SAND DOLLAR · TORTILLA
green group 7 hints
Green group hints
Passing a field of stalks on the way to a race track with a glass of amber liquid in hand.
Regional cultural identifiers
Examples of one named set
Members are 5–13 letters; first letters B, D, F.
ASSOCIATED WITH KENTUCKY
One is BLUEGRASS.
BLUEGRASS · BOURBON · DERBY · FRIED CHICKEN
blue group 7 hints
Blue group hints
Scanning the back of a rental case for a title that promises sharp fangs and long nights.
Cinema genres
Examples of one named set
Members are 5–9 letters; first letters B, N, S, T.
VAMPIRE MOVIES
One is BLADE.
BLADE · NEAR DARK · SINNERS · TWILIGHT
violet group 7 hints
Violet group hints
Pushing off from the pavement or the crest of a hill while keeping your balance on a narrow platform.
Sporting equipment
Each fills the same blank
Members are 4–5 letters; first letters H, S.
___BOARDS YOU RIDE ON
One is HOVER.
HOVER · SKATE · SNOW · SURF
Spoiler zone
Complete Connections answer
Open only the solution you want to see. Each answer stays hidden until you choose to reveal it.
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Reveal the yellow group
ROUND FLAT THINGSBLU-RAY · COASTER · SAND DOLLAR · TORTILLA
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Reveal the green group
ASSOCIATED WITH KENTUCKYBLUEGRASS · BOURBON · DERBY · FRIED CHICKEN
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Reveal the blue group
VAMPIRE MOVIESBLADE · NEAR DARK · SINNERS · TWILIGHT
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Reveal the violet group
___BOARDS YOU RIDE ONHOVER · SKATE · SNOW · SURF
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Connections on September 20, 2026. Every answer below helps you along without giving the game away — ready to see the full solution? See the complete Connections answer for September 20, 2026, or browse every Connections puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Connections on September 20, 2026?
NYT Connections on September 20, 2026 rates 3 out of 4 on our difficulty scale — a tougher-than-average puzzle. As always you sort sixteen words into four colour-coded groups, and our hints tease what links each group without ever naming the words.
What's a spoiler-free hint for NYT Connections on September 20, 2026?
The hint ladder above starts with a one-line vibe for each of the four groups, then adds the connecting idea, then the wording of each category. You climb only as far as you need, and no grouped words are shown until the final reveal.
How many groups are in NYT Connections #1197?
Four groups of four, ordered from the gentlest to the trickiest. For the categories and the sixteen words themselves, open the answer section on this page — the hints here keep them hidden.
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 4 groups · 16 words
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 4 groups · 16 words