‘Connections’ February 21: Answers and Hints for Puzzle #621

How to Play Connections: A Quick Guide

Playing the Connections brainteaser is straightforward, but it requires a sharp mind and a knack for finding patterns. The game presents you with a set of 16 words, and your task is to divide them into four categories, each representing a common theme. The categories are color-coded for difficulty: yellow is the easiest, purple is the hardest, and green and blue fall somewhere in between. For example, in Monday’s puzzle, the purple category was "Words famously pronounced different ways," which included terms like "aunt," "either," "tomato," and "vase."

Understanding the game’s structure is key. Each category has four words, and your goal is to figure out the underlying connection that binds them together. The difficulty varies, so some categories are more intuitive than others. For instance, the yellow category is usually the simplest, and the purple category often requires a bit of lateral thinking. The first step is to scan the words and look for obvious groupings or themes. Once you think you’ve identified a category, you can move the words into their respective groups.

A good strategy is to start with the easiest category, which is typically yellow. By tackling the simpler connections first, you can narrow down the remaining words and make the puzzle more manageable. It’s also helpful to keep an open mind, as some categories might involve wordplay, puns, or less obvious associations.

Expert Tips for Conquering Connections

Wyna Liu, a puzzle editor at the New York Times, has shared some valuable advice for conquering the Connections game. Her top tip? Patience. "Wait as long as you can before guessing," she says. "Even if you think you’ve spotted a category, resist the urge to assign words immediately. Instead, let the connections reveal themselves over time."

According to Liu, even if you identify a potential category and see five words that seem to fit, don’t try to guess which ones belong. Doing so could lead to mistakes, especially since one word might not fit the category at all. Instead, wait until you’re sure about the connection before making your move. This approach minimizes errors and helps you solve the puzzle more efficiently.

Another tip is to avoid "rage solving"—forcing connections that don’t make sense just to finish the puzzle quickly. Take your time, and let your brain work through the possibilities. Sometimes, stepping away for a few minutes or revisiting the puzzle with a fresh perspective can help you see connections you initially missed.

Friday’s Connections Puzzle: Hints and Clues

For this Friday’s puzzle (Connections #621), Newsweek has provided some helpful hints to guide you through the challenge. Let’s break down the categories and what to look for:

1. Yellow Category: This one is all about ways to fix something. It’s the easiest category, so you might find this one the most straightforward. Look for words that are synonyms for solving or repairing.
2. Green Category: This category revolves around something you might do in a field. Think about farming or gathering activities. The words here are likely related to collecting or harvesting.
3. Blue Category: If you’re familiar with photo editing tools, this category should be a breeze. The words here are all tools used in photo editing.
4. Purple Category: This one is the trickiest. It involves ambidextrous objects—items that can be used with either hand.

By focusing on these hints, you can approach the puzzle systematically. Start with the yellow category, as it’s the simplest, and then move on to the more challenging ones.

The Answers Revealed: Connections #621

If you couldn’t quite figure it out, don’t worry! Here are the answers to Friday’s puzzle:

1. Yellow Category – Ways to Solve a Problem
   Words: Answer, Fix, Remedy, Solution
   This category is all about synonyms for solving or fixing something. For example, "Answer" and "Solution" are direct ways to resolve a problem.

2. Green Category – Collect
   Words: Gather, Harvest, Pick, Reap
   These words are all related to gathering or collecting something, often in the context of farming. For instance, "Harvest" and "Reap" are actions associated with crops.

3. Blue Category – Photoshop Tools
   Words: Eraser, Eyedropper, Lasso, Magic Wand
   If you’ve ever used photo editing software, these tools will be familiar. The "Eraser" removes parts of an image, the "Eyedropper" is used for selecting colors, and the "Lasso" and "Magic Wand" are for making selections.

4. Purple Category – Objects That May Be Right or Left-Handed
   Words: Baseball Glove, Guitar, Can Opener, Golf Club
   These objects are designed to be used with either hand. For example, a baseball glove is typically worn on one hand (usually the non-dominant one), while a guitar can be played left- or right-handed.

It’s Okay to Make Mistakes

If you didn’t get all the categories right, don’t sweat it! Connections is meant to be challenging, and it’s okay to make mistakes. The goal is to have fun while sharpening your thinking skills. Each puzzle is an opportunity to improve, so use Friday’s game as a learning experience.

Remember, the next puzzle will be available on Sunday at midnight in your local time zone. Be sure to check back for more hints and tips from Newsweek. And if you’re eager for more word games, there are plenty of other options to try in the meantime, like Wordscapes and Spellspire.

Other Word Games to Try Beyond Connections

If you’re hooked on word games like Connections, you might enjoy exploring other options to satisfy your love of puzzles. Here are a few recommendations:

1. Wordscapes: This game combines word-building with a relaxing, scenic backdrop. Players create words from letters to progress through levels. Its simplicity and calming visuals make it a great choice for casual players.
2. Spellspire: For those who enjoy a mix of word puzzles and adventure, Spellspire is a fun choice. Players use words to destroy monsters as they climb a tower, making it a unique blend of strategy and vocabulary.
3. Crossword Puzzles: If you’re a fan of classic word games, crosswords are a timeless favorite. You can find them in newspapers or online, and they’re a great way to exercise your brain.

Exploring different types of word games can help you develop a broader range of skills, which might even give you an edge in future Connections puzzles. So, keep playing, learning, and having fun!