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Spoilers ahead: Here are the reported region clues and tile descriptions for the Thursday, January 22, 2026 NYT Pips boards. The available text does not establish a verified coordinate-by-coordinate solution, so use the clues to check your board rather than treating them as a complete placement sequence.
Pips is a domino-placement puzzle: place the supplied tiles across the board while meeting the conditions shown in its colored regions. Depending on the region, its pip total may need to match a number, its spaces may need equal pip values, or its total may need to stay above or below a limit. Tiles can be rotated. A 2026 academic paper describes the board-covering mechanic and says every domino must be used exactly once (source).
The clues below are reported by region label. Match each label to the corresponding colored region on your board; the source descriptions do not provide dependable coordinates. Tile pairs are written as pip values, with orientation noted where reported.
Easy answers
- Equal 6: reported tiles 6–1 vertically and 6–2 horizontally.
- Equal 1: reported tiles 6–1 vertically and 1–1 horizontally.
- Less Than 3: reported tile 4–2 horizontally.
Medium answers
- Equal 0: reported tiles 6–0 vertically and 0–1 vertically.
- Equal 1: reported tiles 0–1 vertically, 2–1 horizontally, and 1–3 vertically.
- Equal 2: reported tiles 2–1 horizontally and 2–2 vertically.
- Greater Than 3: reported tile 6–6 horizontally.
The reported placements are grouped by clue, not supplied as an ordered series of moves. Check them against the original board before using them as a placement sequence.
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#1 Best Overall
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Spin Master Games Double 9 Dominoes Set in Storage Tin Classic Tile Game
- Classic Game For Everyone: This set comes with bright color-dot dominoes, allowing for easier gameplay for kids & people with vision issues; comes with instructions for different gameplay variations
- Educational & Fun: This set of Double-Nine Dominoes teaches kids simple matching & math skills; play as a beginner, expert, & the whole family; for 2-6 players, adults & kids games for kids 8-12
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Hard answers
- Number 10: reported tiles 2–6 vertically and 4–0 vertically.
- Less Than 2: reported tiles 4–0 vertically and 0–3 horizontally.
- Equal 4: reported tiles 4–4 horizontally and 4–3 vertically.
- Number 9: reported tiles 0–3 horizontally and 5–6 vertically.
- Equal 5: reported tiles 5–6 vertically and 3–5 vertically.
- Equal 3: reported tiles 4–3 vertically, 3–5 vertically, and 3–6 vertically.
- Greater Than 4: reported tile 4–5 horizontally.
- Greater Than 16: reported tiles 3–6 vertically and 6–6 horizontally.
A dated walkthrough also presents Hard and Medium steps as images, but its accessible text does not identify the tiles in those steps. These clues therefore should not be read as a verified full-board map.
How to use the clues
- Open the January 22 board at the difficulty you are playing and identify a colored region’s label.
- Find that same label in the matching difficulty list above.
- Use the listed pip pair and orientation as a check on the reported region description; do not infer exact board coordinates from it.
- Continue satisfying each region’s rule while covering the board with the supplied dominoes.
For a refresher on region rules and tile placement, see Tom’s Guide’s Pips explainer. The January 22 descriptions are reported clues, not an independently verified official answer key.
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Mexican Train Dominoes Set with 4 Holders - Dominoes Double 12 with Wooden Hub and Tiles Holders - Double 12 Dominos Set for Family Game Night for Adults and Kids Ages 8 and up (D12 + 4 Holders)
- Complete Mexican Train Dominoes Set: 4 Wooden Domino Holders, Hub, 91 Tiles, 9 Plastic Trains, Score Pad, Instruction, and Aluminum Carrying Case
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Double 6 Domino Game Travel Tin, Portable Family Game, Ages 8+
- THE BASIC SET: This Basic Set is a great introductory domino set for the whole crew! The perfect addition to any game night and your collection of classic games. Double 6 Dominoes have a timeless appeal that has entertained the young and young-at-heart for generations. The University Games Domino Collection offers a full line of dominoes. Perfect for all playing levels, from the novice to the professional, these dominoes are top- ranked for quality and durability.
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: 28 domino tiles and Instructions for 10 family friendly games such as Chickenfoot, Muggins, 42 Moon and Castle Rock.
- HIGH QUALITY, MODERN, COLORFUL: Made of high quality materials, each domino is painted with brightly colored pips and has a smooth surface with rounded corners giving it the perfect weight and balance in your hand. The large dots feature make tiles easy to read.
- PROMOTES STRATEGIC THINKING: Enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills while having fun with friends and family.
- ON-THE-GO GAMING: The reusable tin case allows for easy storage and great for on-the-go fun.
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Spin Master Games Mexican Train Dominoes Set in Metal Case Classic Game
- Great For On-The-Go Fun: This set of double 12 dominoes comes in a sleek, stylish aluminum carry case and has everything you need to play; the sturdy aluminum case makes it easy and safe to transport
- Indoor/Outdoor Play: Have a blast at home and enjoy this simple yet exciting game that everyone in the family will love; great tool for kids games and outdoor games
- Quick Start, Fun & Engaging: Just take the game out of the box, read the easy-to-follow instructions and choo-choo; you're off on an exciting trip to play Mexican train dominoes; recommended for 2-8 players, ages 8 and up
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Queensell Dominos Set for Adults, Double 6 Dominoes Set with 28 Tiles in Wooden Case, Classic Dominoes, Family Board Game for Kids & Adults, Travel Game for Family Game Night, Juegos de Mesa
- Classic Domino Set: Double 6 dominos set for adults with 28 professional dominoes in a wooden storage case; ideal for classic board games, family board games and memorable family game night
- Durable Quality: Premium melamine dominoes with deeply engraved, colorfast dots and smooth edges for comfortable play; built for years of domino & tile games at home or while traveling
- Fun for Everyone: Dominoes set for adults and kids designed for two to four players; perfect for family games, board games for adults, games for family night and screen-free entertainment
- Portable Storage: Compact wood case keeps every domino organized and protected; easy to pack for travel games, camping trips, vacations, parties and gatherings with friends or family
- Certified & Gift Ready: Tested to meet applicable toy safety requirements for the US, Canada, EU and UK; an excellent Christmas, birthday or holiday gift for anyone who enjoys classic games and juegos de mesa
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