Mastering The Connections Game: Tips And Tricks For Success

Since it launched in June 2023,Connections has become a New York Times hit mobile game. But it is not always easy. The game challenges players to group words by themes and categories, which can sometimes leave even the most seasoned players scratching their heads. If you find yourself struggling with today’s Connections game, don’t worry! Newsweek is here to help.

In Connections, players are tasked with grouping together words by matching them based on various themes or categories. Each game presents a fresh set of words, and the challenge is to identify the connections among them. There are 16 words in total, divided into four distinct categories. These categories could range from horror-movie franchises and food types to various sounds, offering a broad spectrum of creative connections.

When playing, if you successfully place all four words in a group, those words will be removed from the board. Your goal is to clear the entire board of words by making the right connections. To assist you, here are some essential tips and tricks that will help you navigate the Connections game more effectively!

How To Play 'Connections'

In the game, players must organize a set of 16 words into four groups of four words based on shared themes. The ability to think critically and strategically is crucial in order to identify how the words relate to each other. Each group can be based on a unique theme, such as animals, colors, or activities.

Players can choose to rearrange or shuffle the board if they feel stuck. This feature allows for a fresh perspective when trying to see the connections. Another interesting aspect of the game is the color-coding system that indicates the difficulty level of each group. The easiest group is marked in yellow, while the hardest is purple. This system adds an extra layer of challenge, as players work to uncover the connections hidden in each color category.

Tips for Success in Connections

To improve your gameplay in Connections, here are some strategies you can adopt:

• Look for Patterns: Pay attention to common themes or patterns among the words. This will help you group them more effectively.
• Start with Obvious Connections: If you notice any words that obviously belong together, start with those. This can help you make progress and clear some space on the board.
• Don't Hesitate to Shuffle: If you're stuck, don't be afraid to shuffle the board. A new arrangement can provide clarity and reveal connections you might have missed.
• Keep Track of Mistakes: Remember, you can only make a limited number of mistakes, so choose your guesses wisely!

Connections' #342 Clues for Saturday, May 18

Here are some clues to help you with today's Connections game:

• Yellow: Related to animals.
• Green: Related to movement.
• Blue: These words are about parties.
• Purple: Each of these words are objects containing a similar mechanism.

'Connections' #342 Answers for Saturday, May 18

For the players looking for answers, here are the categories and their corresponding words:

Yellow Category: Animals whose names are two animals

• Bulldog
• Catfish
• Horsefly
• Turtledove

Green Category: Sharp turns

• Dogleg
• Hairpin
• Switchback
• Zag

Blue Category: Classic party games

• Categories
• Charades
• Fishbowl
• Werewolf

Purple Category: Things with spring/s

• Clock
• Mattress
• Mousetrap
• Trampoline

That's it for today! Connections is released at midnight in your local time zone, so get ready for another exciting challenge. Don't forget to check back with Newsweek for more hints and tips for each new game. And if you're still craving some quiz action, consider trying The New York Times' most-played word game, Wordle!