Connections: The New York Times Sensation Taking the World by Storm

The Rise of Connections: A New York Times Phenomenon

Since its launch in June 2023, Connections has become a cultural phenomenon, captivating puzzle enthusiasts and casual players alike. This brain-teasing game, developed by Wyna Liu, the puzzle editor of The New York Times, has quickly risen to fame, challenging players to group words into categories based on clever themes. While the game is wildly popular, it’s not always easy to crack. That’s why Newsweek has stepped in to provide helpful clues and hints for players looking to master this daily brainteaser. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a new recruit, Connections offers a fresh challenge every day, testing your wordplay skills and thematic thinking.

Wyna Liu: The Creative Force Behind Connections

Wyna Liu, the mastermind behind Connections, shared insights into her creative process in a 2020 interview with The New York Times. Liu revealed that she spends at least a couple of hours each day designing grids and brainstorming ideas. “I keep a separate list of entries on my phone that I want to build puzzles around, and I add to that whenever inspiration strikes,” she said. When it comes to Connections specifically, Liu emphasized that each board is built from scratch, requiring plenty of trial and error. “It really takes a long time to fudge things and try different angles,” she admitted. This meticulous approach ensures that every puzzle is unique and engaging, keeping players on their toes.

How to Play Connections: A Quick Guide

For newcomers, Connections works by challenging players to group 16 given words into four distinct categories. These categories range in difficulty from yellow (easiest) to purple (most challenging). The twist? Players don’t know the themes of the categories beforehand—each group is revealed only when the words are correctly guessed. For example, in a recent game, the blue category was titled “What might bring tears to your eyes,” with words like “allergy,” “melodrama,” “onion,” and “relief” fitting perfectly. Meanwhile, the purple category, “___ ball recreational sports,” included “dodge,” “kick,” “pickle,” and “soft” as the correct associations.

To help players stuck on a puzzle, the game includes a helpful “shuffle” feature, which rearranges the words to spark new connections. However, players only get four attempts before the game ends, adding an element of urgency to the challenge.

Connections #634 Hints: Thursday, March 6

Looking to tackle Thursday, March 6th’s puzzle? Newsweek has got your back with expertly crafted hints to guide you through Connections #634:

• Yellow: To diminish
• Green: Gardening jobs
• Blue: Footwear styles
• Purple: Words after “Sand”

These clues should give you a head start in figuring out the categories and connecting the words appropriately. Take your time, think creatively, and remember—the right connections are there if you dig deep enough!

Connections #634 Answers: Thursday, March 6

Missed a category or two? Don’t worry—here’s the full breakdown of Thursday’s puzzle:

• Yellow Category: WANE
  Words: Dwindle, Fade, Peter, Taper
• Green Category: DO SOME TASKS IN THE GARDEN
  Words: Plant, Prune, Water, Weed
• Blue Category: SHOES
  Words: Flat, Mary Jane, Mule, Slide
• Purple Category: SAND ___
  Words: Castle, Paper, Piper, Stone

Whether you solved it all on your own or needed a little help, congratulations on making it through another round of Connections!

Beyond Connections: More Word Games to Try

If you’re hooked on Connections but crave more word-based fun, there are plenty of other games to explore. games like Typochondria and Spellspire offer unique challenges that will keep your brain sharp and your mind active. And don’t forget to check back with The New York Times daily for new Connections puzzles, released at midnight in your local time zone. With practice and persistence, you’ll become a word game wizard in no time!