Unlocking The Secrets Of Connections: Tips And Tricks For Success

Connections can require a lot of brain power, which Newsweek understands, so we’ve put together some handy hints to help you out. The game is all about finding “common threads between words,” but sometimes that is easier said than done, especially when some of the daily words can belong to more than one category. This intriguing puzzle has quickly gained popularity, challenging players to think outside the box and make connections that may not seem apparent at first glance.

In Connections, players must group together words they think have common threads to reveal the name of their corresponding categories. Each puzzle has 16 words, and each group of words is separated into four categories. The uniting themes can come from a broad range of subjects ranging from similar sounds to geometry terms. This diverse approach makes the game not only enjoyable but also a great way to sharpen your cognitive skills.

connections composite — Main image, a woman holds a cell phone and, inset, a "Connections" logo. The game has become a viral sensation.New York Times, Sonja Pancho/Getty Images

If all four words are correctly placed into each set, those words will be removed from the board, and their category will be revealed at the top. Each incorrect guess counts toward the mistake tally. Players can make up to four mistakes before the game ends. However, be careful; the game's creator and editor Wyna Liu said that the words' original placement on the board are specifically designed to trick players, and some words could belong to more than one category.

Liu also advised that if you realize five or more words belong to one category, pivot to a different group before making your first guess. “Doing so might take one of those extra cards out of contention, or at least remove a few cards from the board, making other categories easier to see,” Liu explained. As Connections has become immensely popular since going public in June, it is now The New York Times' second most-played word game, following Wordle. For those who want to give it a try, Newsweek also offers handy hints.