**Connections: Sports Edition – A Fresh Challenge for Sports Aficionados**
*Connections: Sports Edition* presents a novel spin on the well-liked [New York Times word game](https://www.nytimes.com/games/connections), crafted specifically to evaluate the knowledge of sports fans.
Similar to the original *Connections*, the aim is to uncover the “common themes among words.” Like *Wordle*, [*Connections*](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-november-5-2024) refreshes at midnight every day, with each new puzzle increasing in difficulty. To assist you, we have shared some hints and strategies to lead you through today’s puzzle.
If you’re simply in search of the answer to today’s puzzle, feel free to jump to the end of this article for the solution to the *Connections* puzzle for October 28. However, if you would rather tackle it independently, continue reading for useful clues, tactics, and advice.
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### What is *Connections: Sports Edition*?
The *New York Times* has partnered with *The Athletic*—its platform for sports coverage—to introduce this fresh daily word game. [*Connections*](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-february-21-2024) is accessible on both web browsers and mobile devices, and the task is straightforward: gather four words that share a common connection.
Each puzzle comprises 16 words, which must be categorized into four distinct groups. These groups can include anything from book titles to software brands, country names, and beyond. Though many words may appear compatible, there is only one precise answer for each collection.
When a player successfully identifies all four words in a category, those words are eliminated from the game board. An incorrect guess counts as a mistake, and players can make up to four mistakes before the game concludes.
To assist in your gameplay, you can shuffle the board and reorganize the words to help identify links. Each group is designated a color, with yellow being the simplest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Much like *Wordle*, you can share your achievements with friends on social media.
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### Hints for Today’s *Connections: Sports Edition* Categories
Seeking a hint without giving away the answer? Here are some clues for today’s categories:
– **Yellow:** *Time to engage*
– **Green:** *Gridiron roles*
– **Blue:** *Streaming sports narratives*
– **Purple:** *Shared surnames*
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### Today’s *Connections: Sports Edition* Categories
Need a tad more assistance? Here are today’s categories:
– **Yellow:** *Parts of a game*
– **Green:** *Football roles*
– **Blue:** *Netflix sports docuseries*
– **Purple:** *____ Court*
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### The Answer to Today’s *Connections: Sports Edition*
Prepared for the solution? This is your final opportunity to turn back if you wish to solve it yourself!
Drumroll, please…
The answer to *Connections: Sports Edition* #42 is:
– **Parts of a game:** *HALF, INNING, PERIOD, QUARTER*
– **Football roles:** *KICKER, LINEBACKER, SAFETY, TACKLE*
– **Netflix sports docuseries:** *CHEER, DRIVE TO SURVIVE, FULL SWING, QUARTERBACK*
– **____ Court:** *CLAY, FULL, HOME, MARGARET*
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Don’t worry if you didn’t solve it this time—there will be a new *Connections* puzzle waiting for you tomorrow, and we’ll return with more hints and guidance to assist you.
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*In search of more puzzles?* [*Mashable’s game hub*](https://games.mashable.com/) features a range of games, including Mahjong, Sudoku, free crosswords, and more.
*Missed the previous puzzle?* [Here’s the solution to yesterday’s *Connections*.](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-november-5)