Connections, a word association puzzle launched by The New York Times in June 2023, has rapidly gained popularity, becoming the newspaper’s second-most played game after Wordle. This engaging brainteaser challenges players to identify hidden connections between seemingly disparate words, grouping them into four distinct categories. The game’s allure lies in its layered complexity, demanding not only vocabulary knowledge but also lateral thinking and an understanding of wordplay, homophones, and subtle nuances of language. Each game presents 16 words that players must sort into four color-coded categories: yellow, green, blue, and purple, representing increasing levels of difficulty. This tiered system adds a strategic element, encouraging players to tackle the easier categories first to gain momentum and potentially uncover clues for the more challenging ones.
The core mechanics of Connections revolve around identifying a common thread that links four words together. These links can be surprisingly intricate, utilizing wordplay, homophones, and cultural references. For example, the connection might be a shared suffix, a common association, or a hidden meaning revealed through a pun or idiom. Adding to the complexity, some words might appear relevant to multiple categories, a feature known as “item overlap,” requiring players to carefully consider all possibilities before making a selection. To assist players when they encounter a roadblock, the game provides a shuffle button, which rearranges the word tiles on the screen, potentially triggering new insights and connections. This feature encourages experimentation and prevents players from getting fixated on a single, unproductive line of thought.
Wyna Liu, the crossword editor at The New York Times tasked with developing Connections, offers valuable strategic advice for players. Her primary recommendation is to avoid premature guessing. Even if a player recognizes some words belonging to a specific category, it’s crucial to hold back until all four words are confidently identified. Guessing too early risks wasting valuable turns, especially since the game doesn’t reveal which of the selected words are correct. This “all-or-nothing” aspect of guessing emphasizes the importance of patience and thorough analysis. Liu also cautions against “rage solving,” a tendency to make impulsive guesses out of frustration, which rarely leads to success. A methodical approach, carefully considering all possible connections, is far more effective.
To illustrate the game’s dynamics, let’s examine a specific example – Connections puzzle #587. The yellow category, designated as the easiest, features the words “Drive,” “Impulse,” “Itch,” and “Urge.” The common thread connecting these words is the concept of a strong desire or yearning. Moving up in difficulty, the green category presents the words “Spine,” “Spur,” “Sticker,” and “Thorn.” These words are all linked by the concept of a sharp projection. The blue category, representing a further increase in difficulty, includes “Album,” “Artist,” “Label,” and “Track,” all elements commonly found on a vinyl record. Finally, the purple category, the most challenging, consists of “Corner,” “Page,” “Tables,” and “Tide,” which, when preceded by the phrase “Turn the,” create common idioms or expressions.
This example demonstrates the diverse range of connections employed in the game, from straightforward semantic relationships to more nuanced cultural references and idiomatic expressions. The increasing difficulty across the color-coded categories presents a satisfying intellectual challenge, requiring players to adapt their thinking and explore different layers of meaning. The combination of wordplay, logical deduction, and cultural knowledge makes Connections a truly engaging and rewarding puzzle experience. The game’s daily release schedule also adds to its appeal, providing a regular dose of mental stimulation and a sense of community amongst players.
Newsweek, recognizing the game’s growing popularity, offers daily hints and tips for each new puzzle, providing a valuable resource for players seeking assistance. These hints often focus on the underlying theme or connection within a category, offering a starting point for players struggling to identify the common thread. While the hints don’t explicitly reveal the answers, they provide enough direction to nudge players toward the correct solution, allowing them to experience the satisfaction of solving the puzzle with a little assistance. This approach maintains the challenge of the game while ensuring that it remains accessible to players of all skill levels. The daily cycle of new puzzles and accompanying hints fosters a sense of anticipation and encourages consistent engagement, contributing to the game’s widespread appeal.
