Enjoying our puzzle hints?

Support independent coverage of NYT games and keep the hints flowing.

Buy me a coffee

Connections Hints for March 21, 2026 #1013

Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for March 21, 2026 #1013

Want to see NYT Connections hints? Below you'll find complete solutions and explanations. Want to try solving it yourself first? Visit the NYT Connections game 2026-03-21. Looking for today's NYT Connections hint? Head to our home page or play today's connection game here.

Navigation tip: Use the arrows below to browse through past puzzles. Each puzzle is organized from easiest (yellow) to hardest (purple) categories.

Yellow Category — March 21, 2026

Green Category — March 21, 2026

Blue Category — March 21, 2026

Purple Category — March 21, 2026

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Purple group — 20TH CENTURY AMERICAN POETS

Why is “RICH” in the Purple group?

Adrienne Rich, an American poet and essayist known for her feminist and political works

Purple group — 20TH CENTURY AMERICAN POETS

Why is “POUND” in the Purple group?

Ezra Pound, an American poet and critic who was a major figure in the modernist movement

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (March 21, 2026)

Several words in today's puzzle have multiple meanings or obscure definitions that can throw you off. Here's what each one means in the context of this Connections grid.

MARK
Definition: a target or objective
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a symbol or signature
PLAIN
Definition: clear or straightforward
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a geographical area
POINT
Definition: a target or objective
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a sharp tip or a specific moment
CAPTURE
Definition: to take control of a piece in checkers
Why it's tricky: can also refer to taking a photo or recording

Connections #1013 explained

Why these words connect (March 21, 2026)

Understanding the logic behind each group helps you spot similar patterns in future puzzles. Here's the reasoning for every category in today's Connections.

Yellow group: DIRECT

These words all describe being clear or straightforward in communication or intention, often implying a lack of subtlety or deception.

Green group: TARGET

These words all describe something that is aimed for or desired, often implying a sense of purpose or direction.

Blue group: CHECKERS TERMS

These words all describe terms used in the game of checkers, often implying a sense of strategy or competition.

Purple group: 20TH CENTURY AMERICAN POETS

These words all describe famous American poets of the 20th century, often implying a sense of literary significance or cultural impact.

Red herrings and trap words explained

These words were designed to mislead you. Understanding why they don't belong where you first think sharpens your game for tomorrow.

MARK

Seems like it belongs to: CHECKERS TERMS

Actually belongs to: TARGET

While 'mark' can refer to a checkers term, in this context it refers to a target or objective.

PLAIN

Seems like it belongs to: TARGET

Actually belongs to: DIRECT

While 'plain' can refer to a geographical area, in this context it refers to being clear or straightforward.

CAPTURE

Seems like it belongs to: TARGET

Actually belongs to: CHECKERS TERMS

While 'capture' can refer to taking control of something, in this context it specifically refers to taking control of a piece in checkers.

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.

Why “MARK” didn't go with CHECKERS TERMS

Seems like: CHECKERS TERMS → Actually: TARGET

While 'mark' can refer to a checkers term, in this context it refers to a target or objective.

Why “PLAIN” didn't go with TARGET

Seems like: TARGET → Actually: DIRECT

While 'plain' can refer to a geographical area, in this context it refers to being clear or straightforward.

Why “CAPTURE” didn't go with TARGET

Seems like: TARGET → Actually: CHECKERS TERMS

While 'capture' can refer to taking control of something, in this context it specifically refers to taking control of a piece in checkers.

Browse by Date