Connections, the popular brainteaser launched by The New York Times in June 2023, has quickly become the newspaper’s second-most played game behind Wordle. Players are challenged to uncover threads connecting a series of words and group them into four categories based on association. Each category is labeled with a color, ranging from yellow as the easiest to purple as the hardest. The puzzles are designed to be challenging, using wordplay and homophones to keep players on their toes.
When playing Connections, it is advised to wait as long as possible before guessing in order to maximize your chances of success. Trying to guess the four words in a category before being certain of all the options can result in wasted guesses. Players should avoid “rage-solving” and take their time to carefully consider all possibilities. The game challenges players by using familiar words and less common words as well as allowing for “item overlap,” where one word can be linked to multiple categories. If stuck, players can use the shuffle button to mix up the word placements on the screen.
In order to help players with today’s Connections puzzle, Newsweek provides hints for each of the four categories. For example, one set of clues for a recent game included descriptions such as “ways you might make something smaller” for the yellow category and “associated with a famous painting” for the purple category. Players can then use these hints to try and figure out the connection between the words and group them accordingly. After a new puzzle is released, players have until midnight in their local time zone to crack the code and check their answers against the provided clues.
The challenge of Connections lies in the unique way it blends familiar words with wordplay and association, keeping players engaged and constantly thinking. The game offers a mental workout for players who enjoy brainteasers and puzzles and provides a fun way to test their word and association skills. With new puzzles released regularly and the opportunity to challenge friends to see who can solve the puzzle fastest, Connections offers a fun and engaging experience for players of all ages.
By following the tips provided by the game’s creator and using the hints and clues offered by Newsweek, players can improve their chances of keeping their Connections win streak alive. With a bit of patience, strategic thinking, and a willingness to think outside the box, players can successfully navigate through the challenging puzzles and enjoy the satisfaction of cracking the code. Whether playing solo or competing with friends, Connections offers a unique and exciting gameplay experience that will keep players coming back for more.
