Pips: The New York Times' Latest Addictive Number Puzzle You Can't Miss!

The New York Times has done it again! Hot on the heels of Wordle's phenomenal success and a growing suite of beloved daily challenges, the NYT has quietly rolled out its latest digital obsession: Pips. And trust us, it's already proving to be incredibly addictive. If you're looking for your next daily brain-teaser that combines the thrill of dice with the satisfaction of a clever puzzle, Pips is about to become your new favorite.

So, what exactly is Pips? Imagine a game where the roll of a die isn't just about luck, but about strategic combination and careful planning.

That's Pips in a nutshell. While it features dice, it's far from a simple roll-and-move game. Instead, it challenges players to use their numerical dexterity to clear a board filled with target numbers, ranging from 2 to 12.

Getting started with Pips is deceptively simple. Each game begins with a board displaying various target numbers.

Your task is to clear these numbers by strategically using the five dice you roll at the start of each turn. The core mechanic is straightforward: drag one or more of your rolled dice onto a target number. The crucial rule? The sum of the pips on the dice you drag must exactly match the target number.

For example, if you roll a 3 and a 4, you can drag them both to clear a '7' target.

But there's more to Pips than just simple addition. The game truly shines in its strategic depth. You get three rolls per game, and the goal is to clear all the target numbers on the board before you run out of rolls or moves.

If you find yourself in a situation where none of your rolled dice can combine to hit an available target, you lose that roll – a critical setback. Successfully clearing all targets, especially within fewer rolls, can earn you satisfying bonuses, adding another layer of challenge and replayability.

What makes Pips so compelling? It's the perfect blend of chance and skill.

Each roll presents a new puzzle, forcing you to consider various combinations and plan your moves carefully. Should you use that '6' by itself to clear a '6', or save it to combine with a '5' later for an '11'? These are the delightful dilemmas Pips throws at you. It evokes the mental gymnastics of games like Sudoku or KenKen, demanding foresight and numerical agility, rather than the word-based deduction of Wordle.

Whether you're a seasoned puzzle enthusiast or just looking for a fresh, engaging way to kickstart your day, Pips offers a rewarding experience.

It's easy to learn, yet surprisingly difficult to master, guaranteeing a satisfying daily challenge. Head over to the New York Times Games section and give Pips a roll – but don't say we didn't warn you about how quickly it will capture your attention!