How to Spot Category Patterns in the NYT Connections Game

Wiki Article

If you enjoy word puzzles and brain teasers, there's a good chance you've tried the New York Times Connections game. It’s a daily game where you sort 16 words into 4 groups of 4 based on what they have in common. Easier said than done, right? But with a few tips and tricks, you can spot the hidden connections more easily. You can also check out the game or get daily hints at https://connections-games.com/.
https://connections-games.com/
First off, start by scanning all the words. Read them slowly and say them out loud if it helps. Sometimes hearing the words makes you think of different meanings. For example, the word “bass” can mean a type of fish or a low sound. The game often plays with words like these, so keep an open mind.

Next, look for obvious categories. Are there any words that look like they belong to a group? You might spot colors (like “blue,” “red,” “green”), or you could see things that are types of fruit. Try pulling those aside and see if you can find four that fit into one clear group.

If you find two or three that seem to go together, challenge yourself to find a fourth. If you can’t, maybe your original group isn’t right after all. Rearranging and rethinking your guesses is part of the fun.

Also, think about categories like famous people, books, sports, or even slang. Sometimes the connections are based on pop culture or similar spelling. If a pair of words rhyme or start with the same letter, that might be the link the puzzle is looking for.

Another handy trick is to look for oddballs. If a word doesn’t seem to fit with the others in any way, maybe it’s the start of a brand-new group.

Don’t rush. Give yourself time to think through different meanings and sets. And remember — it’s okay to guess and click on a group of four to see what happens. You get a few chances to be wrong without losing.

Bottom line: the more you play, the better you’ll get at spotting patterns. Just like with crosswords, your brain starts to notice things faster over time. So grab your coffee, settle in, and enjoy the challenge. It's a daily puzzle that gives your brain a little workout — and every correct guess feels extra sweet.