Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesNYT Connections puzzle #863, published Tuesday, October 21, 2025, groups its 16 words into playing cards, “takes on,” NBA teams, and things you can control with remotes. Start with the graduated hints below; the complete groups follow afterward.
Hints for Connections #863
Use these in order, stopping when you have enough to solve the puzzle.
- Yellow: All decked out.
- Green: Goes for it.
- Blue: A bit like jesters of old, these often entertain on the court.
- Purple: Think of things such as stereos, toilet seats, lights, and cameras.
One word from each group: ACES, HANDLES, SPURS, WIIS.
Full answers for October 21
Spoilers below. The grid contains BUCKS, DOES, BULLS, DRONES, QUEENS, HORNETS, ADDRESSES, TELEVISIONS, GARAGE DOORS, HANDLES, KINGS, JACKS, SPURS, ACES, TACKLES, and WIIS.
#1 Best Overall
| Color | Category | Words |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | Playing cards | ACES, JACKS, KINGS, QUEENS |
| Green | Takes on | ADDRESSES, DOES, HANDLES, TACKLES |
| Blue | NBA teams | BUCKS, BULLS, HORNETS, SPURS |
| Purple | Things you can control with remotes | DRONES, GARAGE DOORS, TELEVISIONS, WIIS |
Why some words can mislead
Several entries seem to fit more than one idea at first. DOES can mean female deer, while KINGS and ACES can evoke sports teams. In this puzzle, however, those words belong with the playing-card group; the team category is the Bucks, Bulls, Hornets, and Spurs. The purple connection is remote control: it includes the Wii console and its controller, and the grid uses the plural form WIIS.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which puzzle is this?
This is the Tuesday, October 21, 2025 edition, game #863—not a guide to the different puzzle published on October 21, 2024. Connections asks players to sort 16 words into four groups of four. Guide sources report that the game resets at midnight local time and that a fourth wrong guess ends the game after three incorrect guesses are allowed.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
