The NYT Connections puzzle for September 30, 2026, is number 1207. This particular grid, curated by associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu, presents one of the most elaborate red herrings seen in recent months, specifically designed to trap fans of the James Bond franchise.
Players may also use the Connections Bot after finishing the game to receive a numerical score and an analysis of their performance relative to other players.
The James Bond Red Herring
Before solving today’s categories, be aware of a persistent theme that spans all four groups. Words like Bond (Yellow), Martini (Green), Octopussy (Purple), and Casino (Blue) all point toward a 007 theme. However, “James Bond” is not a standalone category in this puzzle. You will need to separate these words and place them into their functional groups to succeed.
Connections Hints for September 30
If you need a nudge in the right direction without seeing the full answers, consider these clues for each color group:
- Yellow: These terms are common in the world of finance and trading.
- Green: Objects or items that require a specific physical motion to function or produce sound.
- Blue: These are all titles of famous films focused on organized crime.
- Purple: Look closely at the first three or four letters of each word; they refer to a specific calendar sequence.
Spoiler Warning: The final answers and group names for puzzle #1207 are listed below.
Connections Answers for September 30 (#1207)
Yellow Group: Securities
Words: Bond, Future, Option, Stock
Explanation: These are all types of financial instruments or assets traded on the market.
Green Group: Things That Are Shaken (Not Stirred)
Words: Etch-A-Sketch, Martini, Spray Paint, Tambourine
Explanation: Each of these items must be shaken to work, make music, or—in the case of the Martini—to follow the famous Bond preparation style.
Blue Group: Gangster Movies
Words: Bugsy, Casino, Donnie Brasco, Scarface
Explanation: These are classic films within the crime and mafia genre. “Casino” is often the word that trips players up due to its association with Bond.
Purple Group: Starting With Month Abbreviations
Words: Decent, Novelty, Octopussy, Septum
Explanation: This linguistic gimmick uses the three-letter abbreviations for the final four months of the year as prefixes: SEPT (Septum), OCT (Octopussy), NOV (Novelty), and DEC (Decent).
