The New York Times Connections puzzle is a game that challenges players to group 16 words into four categories based on their connections. The goal is to figure out the commonality among the words and strategically place them into the correct groups. The game editor often includes words that can fit into multiple groups, making it a tricky challenge for players. Unlike Wordle, which focuses on vocabulary, Connections is more of a brain teaser that tests one’s ability to think critically and make connections between words.
To play Connections, players must carefully examine the 16 words given and mentally assign them to related groups of four. Once they have identified the connections between the words, they can click on the four words they believe belong together. The groups are color-coded, but players do not know which color represents each group until they see the answers. The game progresses from the yellow group, which is the easiest, to the purple group, which is the most challenging. Players must consider the words carefully and think about related terms to successfully complete the puzzle.
For players looking for hints to help solve the puzzle, the game provides clues for each group from easiest to toughest. In this particular puzzle, the yellow group hint is related to Levi’s jeans, the green group hint references geometry class, the blue group hint suggests browsing, and the purple group hint alludes to retro rockers from the 60s. These hints can guide players in determining the connections between the words and placing them in the correct groups.
The answers to the Connections puzzle in this particular instance were as follows: the yellow group included words related to features on a pair of jeans such as button, fly, pocket, and rivet. The green group consisted of objects in 0-, 1-, 2-, and 3-dimensional space, including words like line, plane, point, and solid. The blue group focused on web browser menus, with words like file, history, view, and window. Lastly, the purple group consisted of words related to members of a 60s band, including animal, door, kink, and supreme. By identifying the connections between the words based on these themes, players can successfully complete the puzzle.
Overall, the New York Times Connections puzzle offers a stimulating challenge for players who enjoy solving word puzzles and making connections between seemingly unrelated terms. With a mix of straightforward and deceptive clues, the game tests players’ ability to think critically and creatively to identify the common themes among the words. By carefully analyzing the words and considering their relationships, players can successfully group them into the correct categories and complete the puzzle. Additionally, the hints provided can help guide players in the right direction, making the game both engaging and rewarding for those who enjoy a mental challenge.
