Visit the New York Times website and navigate to the Games section. Select "Connections" from the list of available games.
The goal is to group 16 words or phrases into four sets of four items that share a common theme or connection.
You will see a grid of 16 words or phrases. Examine these items to identify potential connections or themes among them.
Click on the words you think form a group of four related items. The selected words will be highlighted. After selecting four words, confirm your selection to see if it forms a valid group.
If the selection is correct, the group will be locked in place, and those words will be removed from the grid. If the selection is incorrect, those words will be deselected, and you can try again.
Repeat the process of analyzing the remaining words and forming groups until all four groups are identified.
Sometimes, words can fit into more than one category. Use logical deduction and process of elimination. Pay attention to subtle relationships, such as synonyms, categories, themes, or even wordplay.
The game often provides feedback on your progress, indicating how many correct groups you’ve found. There is usually no time limit, allowing you to think carefully about each selection.
The more you play, the better you will become at spotting connections and themes. Reviewing past puzzles can help you understand common types of connections used in the game.
The game is designed to be both challenging and fun. Enjoy the process of solving each puzzle and improving your skills.