The New York Times has created a brand-new logic game called Pips NYT, built on the classic foundation of dominoes. This is the first game that NYT Games developed entirely from scratch, rather than adapting existing formats like Sudoku or Crossword. After several months of testing in Canada, Pips NYT officially launched on August 18, 2025.

How to Play Pips NYT

Pips NYT challenges players to place dominoes — each marked with round dots — onto the board using a simple drag-and-drop mechanic. You could rotate any domino to align it correctly within the grid. Each section of the board follows its own set of rules that must be satisfied to complete the puzzle.

Board Rules

Board rules in Pips NYT vary by sector and must be followed precisely. Dot values in certain zones must match (=) or differ (≠) from one another. Other areas require the total dot count to be less than, greater than, or equal to a target value. Some zones are free spaces with no restrictions applied.

Win Condition

Pips NYT is complete when every domino is correctly placed according to all active board rules. This is a straightforward goal that becomes increasingly challenging as the puzzle progresses.

Key Features

Pips NYT is designed to be accessible and stress-free for all skill levels. There is no time limit, so players could work through each move at their own pace. Try to correct any placement freely — mistakes can be fixed without penalty. The game also provides real-time feedback, highlighting exactly where adjustments are needed whenever an error occurs.