Stuck on today’s NYT Connections puzzle? You’re in the right place. This guide has all the hints, clues, and answers you need for Connections #997 on March 4, 2026.
What Is NYT Connections?
NYT Connections is a popular daily word puzzle from The New York Times. Players group 16 words into four categories of four, with each group sharing a common thread.
Each category is color-coded by difficulty: Yellow (easiest), Green, Blue, and Purple (hardest). You get up to four mistakes before the game ends, so use your hints wisely!
Hints for March 4, 2026 Connections Categories
Not ready for the full answers yet? Start with these gentle hints to guide your thinking.
Yellow Category Hint
- This category is about chasing or following something.
Green Category Hint
- Think about words that describe fair, ethical behavior — especially in competition.
Blue Category Hint
- These are things kids have loved receiving as gifts for generations.
Purple Category Hint
- Each of these words completes the title of a movie or show ending with the word “Girl.”
Today’s Connections Category Names
Need a little more help? Here are the actual category names for March 4, 2026:
- Yellow: Pursue
- Green: Sportsmanlike
- Blue: Classic Kid Gifts
- Purple: “___ Girl” Titles
NYT Connections Answers for March 4, 2026
Ready for the full solution? Here are all four groups for Connections puzzle #997:
- Pursue: HOUND, SHADOW, TAIL, TRACK
- Sportsmanlike: FAIR, HONEST, SPORTING, SQUARE
- Classic Kid Gifts: BIKE, BOOK, TOY, VIDEO GAME
- ___ Girl Titles: GONE, GOSSIP, NEW, WORKING
The trickiest group today was likely the Purple “___ Girl” category. Words like GONE (Gone Girl), GOSSIP (Gossip Girl), NEW (New Girl), and WORKING (Working Girl) are all famous film or TV titles — easy to miss if pop culture isn’t your strong suit!
Tips to Solve Today’s Puzzle
If you’re building your Connections skills, here are a few strategies that help:
- Start with the Yellow group. It’s always the most straightforward.
- Watch out for red herrings. Words like TRACK and FAIR can look like they belong together but don’t.
- Use the shuffle button to see the board with fresh eyes.
- Save your guesses. You only get four mistakes before the game ends.
More Puzzle Help for March 4, 2026
If you’re playing other NYT games today, check out these related guides: