Connections, the engaging daily word puzzle from The New York Times, challenges players to identify connections between seemingly disparate words. The game presents a grid of sixteen words, and the objective is to group them into four sets of four, each linked by a common theme or category. These categories are color-coded by difficulty, ranging from the easiest yellow to progressively harder green, blue, and finally, the most challenging purple. The game tests players’ vocabulary, general knowledge, and ability to recognize subtle relationships between words. A recent example, categorized as blue (medium difficulty), grouped “braid,” “bun,” “pony,” and “twist” under the shared theme of “Ways to wear your hair up.” This exemplifies the type of lateral thinking required to succeed in Connections.
The gameplay itself is straightforward. Players select four words they believe share a connection and click the “submit” button. Correctly identified groups disappear from the grid, highlighted in their respective category colors, while incorrect guesses remain on the board, marked in gray. This feedback mechanism allows players to refine their strategies and learn from their mistakes. A helpful “shuffle” button rearranges the words on the grid, offering a fresh perspective when players feel stuck. A key strategy, as advised by the game’s editor, Wyna Liu, is to avoid premature guesses. Even if a player spots a potential category and identifies several related words, it’s crucial to carefully consider all options and eliminate the outlier before submitting a guess. Rushing into a guess can waste valuable turns and complicate the puzzle.
To assist players with the Saturday, December 14th puzzle (#552), specific hints were provided. The yellow category, representing the easiest level, focuses on “Names of scaly creatures that swim under water.” The green category, slightly more challenging, involves “Words you might hear from an auctioneer.” Moving to the blue category, the hint points towards “Ways to pay with cash around the world.” Finally, the most challenging purple category hints at words that can precede another word, forming a compound word that signifies a drinking vessel. These clues offer a starting point for players, encouraging them to delve into their vocabulary and knowledge to uncover the hidden connections.
The solutions for the December 14th puzzle reveal the connections behind the hints. The yellow category, “FISH,” comprised the words “Fluke,” “Mullet,” “Sole,” and “Tang.” The green category, “WORDS IN AN AUCTION-ENDING PHRASE,” consisted of “Going,” “Once,” “Sold,” and “Twice.” The blue category, “GLOBAL CURRENCIES,” included “Pound,” “Real,” “Sol,” and “Yuan.” Finally, the challenging purple category, “WORDS BEFORE ‘CUP’,” revealed the words “Butter,” “Diva,” “Solo,” and “World.” These solutions showcase the diverse range of knowledge and wordplay involved in Connections.
Beyond the daily challenge, Connections offers players the opportunity to track their progress and performance. The New York Times games app and website now provide players with access to their playing history and statistics, allowing them to monitor their improvement and identify areas where they excel or struggle. This feature adds another layer of engagement to the game, encouraging players to strive for better scores and perfect their puzzle-solving skills. The ability to review past games can also be a valuable learning tool, helping players identify patterns and refine their strategies.
Connections, with its daily dose of wordplay and deductive reasoning, provides a stimulating mental workout. The tiered difficulty levels ensure accessibility for a wide range of players, from casual word enthusiasts to seasoned puzzle solvers. The game’s integration with the New York Times games platform, including access to statistics and playing history, further enhances the experience, fostering a sense of community and friendly competition among players. Whether you’re seeking a quick mental break or a more in-depth puzzle challenge, Connections offers a rewarding and engaging experience.
