The New York Times’ Connections, a word association puzzle game, has quickly risen to become the newspaper’s second most popular game, trailing only Wordle. Launched in June 2023, Connections challenges players to decipher the hidden links between 16 words, grouping them into four distinct categories. The game’s appeal lies in its deceptive simplicity, employing wordplay, homophones, and overlapping themes to keep players engaged and on their toes. Its accessibility stems from the use of familiar words, yet their frequency in everyday language can paradoxically contribute to the challenge.
The gameplay involves categorizing the 16 presented words into four color-coded groups: yellow, green, blue, and purple, representing ascending levels of difficulty. Yellow signifies the easiest category, while purple represents the most challenging. For instance, a previous puzzle grouped “Bacon,” “Grits,” “Hash,” and “Toast” under the “Breakfast Sides” category. However, the connections are rarely straightforward, requiring players to think laterally and consider multiple interpretations of the words. Adding to the complexity is the “item overlap” element, where a single word could potentially fit into multiple categories, demanding careful consideration of all possibilities. A shuffle button allows players to rearrange the words on the screen, potentially sparking new connections and insights.
Wyna Liu, the crossword editor at The New York Times and the mastermind behind Connections, offers valuable advice for conquering the puzzle. Her primary recommendation is to resist the urge to guess prematurely. Even if a player identifies a category and recognizes multiple words that belong, Liu cautions against rushing to submit the group. The presence of an extra word that doesn’t fit can derail the entire attempt, wasting a valuable turn. Patience and thorough analysis are key to success. She also humorously advises against “rage solving,” a relatable sentiment for anyone who has grappled with a particularly challenging puzzle.
To illustrate the game’s intricacies, consider the Connections puzzle #566 from December 28th. The yellow category, themed “NOTHING TO IT!”, encompassed words like “Easy,” “No Sweat,” “Piece of Cake,” and “Sure Thing.” The green category, “OBJECTS FROM GREEK MYTH,” included “Aegis,” “Apple of Discord,” “Golden Fleece,” and “Pandora’s Box,” requiring knowledge of Greek mythology. The blue category, “PROVERBIAL THINGS TO KICK,” featured “Can,” “Habit,” “Hornets’ Nest,” and “Tires,” focusing on common expressions. Finally, the purple category, “STARTING WITH POSSESSIVE PRONOUNS,” included “Hershey,” “Histamine,” “Itsy,” and “Minefield,” demanding a more nuanced understanding of word construction and possessive pronouns.
These examples showcase the diversity of themes and the clever use of word associations within Connections. The game tests not only vocabulary but also general knowledge, cultural awareness, and the ability to think creatively. The varying difficulty levels, denoted by the color coding, ensure that the game remains engaging for players of all skill levels. The inclusion of less common words within the harder categories further amplifies the challenge, encouraging players to expand their vocabulary and explore new linguistic avenues.
Connections is a daily puzzle, released at midnight local time, offering a fresh challenge every day. Whether a seasoned word puzzle enthusiast or a casual gamer seeking a stimulating mental exercise, Connections provides a compelling and rewarding experience. The game’s blend of familiarity and complexity, coupled with its competitive element, makes it a captivating addition to the world of word games. The ability to share results and compare strategies with friends and family adds a social dimension, further enhancing the game’s appeal.
