Connections, the popular word puzzle from The New York Times, challenges players to categorize sixteen words into four groups based on shared connections. Unlike its counterpart Wordle, Connections doesn’t involve guessing a single word, but rather deciphering the hidden relationships between a set of words. Launched in June 2023, Connections quickly gained traction, becoming the second most played game on the NYT platform, surpassed only by Wordle. The game’s appeal lies in its blend of logic, vocabulary, and lateral thinking, requiring players to identify subtle nuances and common threads that unite seemingly disparate words. The challenge varies daily, with some puzzles focusing on straightforward connections while others incorporate wordplay, adding an extra layer of complexity.
The gameplay is simple yet engaging. Players are presented with sixteen words, initially uncategorized. The objective is to sort these words into four groups of four, with each group representing a specific category. The categories themselves are hidden until the correct combinations are found. Players drag and drop words into potential groups, and the game provides feedback by revealing the color of a category once all four corresponding words are correctly placed. Incorrect guesses contribute to a mistake tally, with a maximum of four allowed before the game ends. There’s no time limit, allowing players to ponder and strategize at their own pace.
Connections offers various levels of difficulty, determined by factors such as word familiarity, ambiguity of categorization, and the presence of wordplay. Some categories might involve literal meanings, while others could focus on linguistic elements like palindromes, homophones, or letter manipulation. This variability ensures a dynamic and stimulating experience, catering to a wide range of players. To assist players facing difficulty, a “shuffle” option is available, rearranging the words on the board and potentially sparking new insights.
For the Connections puzzle #586 on Friday, January 17, the categories and their corresponding words were as follows: Yellow – FRANKFURTER (Banger, Brat, Link, Sausage); Green – STRIKE (Bop, Hit, Knock, Tap); Blue – WEB BROWSERS (Chrome, Edge, Opera, Safari); and Purple – ENDING WITH BEER BRANDS (Autoharp, Contrabass, Pepperoni, Rosebud). The yellow category focused on different types of sausages, highlighting synonyms for frankfurter. The green category revolved around verbs synonymous with “strike,” emphasizing actions that might be considered undesirable. The blue category listed popular web browsers, all commonly used for internet navigation. Finally, the purple category presented words ending with names of beer brands, requiring players to recognize the shared suffix linked to beverages.
The varying themes in puzzle #586 showcase the diverse nature of Connections categories. From straightforward classifications like web browsers to more nuanced connections like synonyms for “strike” and types of sausages, the puzzle encouraged players to explore different facets of language and knowledge. The most challenging category likely was the purple one, requiring players to identify the beer brand connection embedded within the word endings. This required not only vocabulary knowledge but also an awareness of common brand names, adding a layer of trivia to the puzzle.
Newsweek regularly provides hints and tips for Connections, assisting players who might be stuck or seeking guidance. These hints aim to nudge players in the right direction without revealing the answers outright, allowing them to experience the satisfaction of solving the puzzle themselves. The availability of these resources enhances the accessibility of the game, making it enjoyable for players of all skill levels. Furthermore, Newsweek’s coverage underscores the growing popularity of Connections and its position within the broader landscape of online word puzzles. The daily updates and articles contribute to a sense of community among players, fostering engagement and discussion around the game.
