Top 10 Strategies for Solving Difficult NYT Connections Puzzles
Solving the New York Times Connections puzzles can feel super satisfying—until you get stuck staring at the grid, trying to figure out what goes where. If you've played the connections game before, you already know how tricky it can be when the groupings aren’t obvious.But don’t worry, you're not alone! Here are ten strategies that can help you get through the puzzle—especially the tougher ones.
1. Look for identical categories
Start with the easiest connections—colors, numbers, months, or days of the week often show up. These are usually in the yellow (easiest) group and give you a quick win to build confidence.
2. Group by meaning, not just words
Sometimes, words don’t look like they go together, but they do in meaning. For example, the words “pitch,” “court,” “field,” and “ice” could all be sports-related surfaces.
3. Watch out for tricky words with more than one meaning
This one gets a lot of people. A word like “spring” might refer to the season, a movement, or even water. Think about each word in a few different ways.
4. Use colors as guides
Each group is color-coded: yellow is easiest, then green, blue, and purple is usually the trickiest. If a group feels hard, it might actually belong in the purple category—don’t force it early.
5. Mix things up
If your guess isn’t right after a few attempts, move the tiles around. Seeing them in a new spot can spark a fresh idea.
6. Keep a mental list of themes
Sometimes themes repeat—like famous trios, types of fabric, or movie genres. Keep a casual memory of past puzzles to help you spot familiar ideas.
7. Look for hidden patterns
Sometimes the words relate to starting letters, rhyming, or wordplay. Don’t just look at meaning—think sound, length, or shape.
8. Don’t rush
A few minutes away from the screen can help. Take a short break if you're stuck and come back with a fresh view.
9. Be careful with overlaps
Some words might seem to fit into more than one group. Focus on finding a solid group of four first before messing with alternates.
10. Practice makes better
Like any puzzle, you’ll get faster and sharper the more you play. Stick with it!
Most of all, have fun with it. It’s not about being perfect—it's about stretching your mind in new ways.