NYT Connections Answers Today January 30, 2026 (#964)

NYT Connections Answers – Friday, January 30, 2026 (Puzzle #964)

Need today’s NYT Connections answers for January 30, 2026 (#964)? Here are progressive hints, the complete solutions for all four categories, quick explanations, and strategies so you can either nudge your solve or confirm your perfect game!

Today’s puzzle was described as “pretty challenging across the board” by many solvers, with clever overlaps (especially between grooming tools and sticky items) and a satisfying purple reveal.

Puzzle date: Friday, January 30, 2026
Connections number: 964
Play free: nytimes.com/games/connections (or in the NYT Games app)

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Progressive Hints for Today’s Connections (#964)

Ranked easiest (yellow) to hardest (purple):

1. Yellow – In the same vicinity → think synonyms for a defined space or zone.
2. Green – Like a hairbrush or razor → everyday personal-care tools.
3. Blue – Like a Post-It note → items that stick to things (literally adhesive).
4. Purple – Not foot → completes the phrase “__ hand” (idiomatic expressions).

Still working on it? Scroll for the full answers.

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Full Answers – NYT Connections #964 (Jan 30, 2026)

🟨 Yellow – Region

• AREA
• CLUSTER
• PATCH
• POCKET

(These all describe a localized or contained geographical/figurative area: e.g., “patch of forest”, “pocket of resistance”.)

🟩 Green – Grooming items

• COMB
• COMPACT
• NAIL FILE
• TWEEZERS

(Common bathroom/vanity tools for personal grooming and makeup touch-ups.)

🟦 Blue – Things with adhesive surfaces

• BAND-AID
• LINT ROLLER
• STICKER
• TAPE

(Everyday items designed to stick or adhere to surfaces; note how “patch” almost fits here but belongs to yellow.)

🟪 Purple – __ hand

• HELPING
• MINUTE
• POKER
• UPPER

(Completes common phrases: helping hand, minute hand [on a clock], poker hand, upper hand.)

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Today’s 16 Words (for reference)

MINUTE, TAPE, AREA, COMPACT, POCKET, COMB, POKER, STICKER, PATCH, BAND-AID, NAIL FILE, LINT ROLLER, UPPER, CLUSTER, HELPING, TWEEZERS

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Quick Solving Tips & Why It Was Tricky

• Overlaps galore — PATCH could plausibly go with adhesive things (like a patch that sticks), and COMPACT might seem like makeup only. Many solvers lost a life here before separating them.
• Purple reveal — The “hand” theme is classic Connections misdirection; “not foot” hints away from literal body parts.
• Average difficulty — Mid-to-high; most players took 4–6 guesses. Perfect games were common once the blue/purple clicked.
• Pro strategy — Start with obvious pairs (COMB + TWEEZERS, TAPE + STICKER), then eliminate mismatches.

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FAQ – NYT Connections January 30, 2026 (#964)

Q: What are the answers for Connections puzzle #964 (Jan 30, 2026)?
A:
🟨 Region: AREA, CLUSTER, PATCH, POCKET
🟩 Grooming items: COMB, COMPACT, NAIL FILE, TWEEZERS
🟦 Things with adhesive surfaces: BAND-AID, LINT ROLLER, STICKER, TAPE
🟪 __ hand: HELPING, MINUTE, POKER, UPPER

Q: Why is PATCH in “region” and not with adhesive things?
A: It fits better as a small defined area (e.g., “patch of sky”, “blue patch”). The adhesive group uses literal sticky items instead.

Q: What does “__ hand” mean in the purple category?
A: Idiomatic phrases:

• Helping hand = assistance
• Minute hand = clock hand for minutes
• Poker hand = cards in poker
• Upper hand = advantage

Q: Where can I play today’s Connections?
A: Free at nytimes.com/games/connections or in the NYT Games mobile app (no subscription needed for daily play).

Q: How many mistakes can I make?
A: Four lives — after that, the puzzle ends. Use the “one away” feedback wisely!

Q: Was today’s Connections harder than usual?
A: Yes — many sources called it challenging due to the grooming/adhesive overlap and the abstract purple theme.

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Got it in one go? Share your score in the comments!
🟨🟩🟦🟪 Perfect game? You’re crushing it. Four mistakes? Still a win — streak continues!

Bookmark for daily NYT Connections hints & answers. Come back tomorrow for #965. Happy connecting! 🔗

Last updated: January 30, 2026.