The Connections puzzle is a popular word game that challenges players to group words based on subtle connections. Since its debut in The New York Times in June 2023, the game has gained a massive following and is now considered one of the most popular word games, second only to Wordle. The game is a fun yet challenging exercise for your brain as it asks players to think critically and logically to find the connections between the words presented.
To help players maintain a winning streak and avoid frustration, Newsweek has put together a list of helpful tips and hints to guide players through the puzzle. These tips include advice from Wyna Liu, crossword editor at the Times and developer of Connections. Liu advises players to hold off on guessing as long as possible, ensuring they are sure of the connections before making a decision. She also warns against “rage solving,” a method where players guess quickly without fully considering all possibilities.
In Connections, players must group 16 words into four categories based on their relationships. Each group is coded by color to indicate difficulty, with yellow being the easiest and purple being the most challenging. The puzzles often incorporate homophones, wordplay, and other clever twists, making them engaging and thought-provoking. Players can use a shuffle button to mix up the words on the screen if they get stuck, allowing them to approach the puzzle from a fresh perspective.
Newsweek provides hints and solutions to help players with specific puzzles. For example, in Connections #658, the hints for each category were provided, such as “A typical measure” for the yellow category and “Details on a famous coat of arms” for the green category. The article also includes the answers for each category, such as “AVERAGE” for the yellow category and “PICTURED ON THE U.S. GREAT SEAL” for the green category. Players can use these hints and solutions to practice their puzzle-solving abilities and improve their skills.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer to Connections, these tips and hints will help you sharpen your puzzle-solving abilities and approach the game with confidence. By following the advice provided by experts like Wyna Liu and using the hints and solutions provided by Newsweek, players can improve their strategy and increase their chances of finishing strong. So, the next time you’re faced with a tricky Connections puzzle, remember these tips and tackle the challenge with a clear mind and a logical approach.
