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.
How to Play 'Connections'
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.
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.
But, be careful; the game's creator and editor Wyna Liu said the words' original placement on the board are specifically done to trick people and that some words could belong to more than one category.
Liu also said that, if you realize that there are five or more words that belong to one category, try pivoting 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 said.
Connections has become so popular since going public in June that it is now The New York Times' second most-played word game, after Wordle, which Newsweek also has some handy hints for if you want to give it a try.
The answers for today's Connections will be revealed at the end of this article, so please scroll down with caution if you want to work them out for yourself.
'Connections' #326 Clues for Thursday, May 2
Newsweek has some hints to help you try to figure out today's Connections categories.
Yellow: Words for people who are really good at something.
Green: Ever had a flat tire? Then you would recognize these words.
Blue: Names of movies starring this recent Best Actor Oscar winner.
Purple: We hope you know lots of different kinds of music styles.
'Connections' #326 Answers for Thursday, May 2
Yellow Category: HIGHLY SKILLED
Yellow Words: Ace, Crackerjack, Expert, Hotshot
Green Category: USED TO FIX A FLAT
Green Words: Chock, Jack, Tire, Wrench
Blue Category: JOAQUIN PHOENIX MOVIES
Blue Words: Her, Joker, Gladiator, Signs
Purple Category: WORDS STARTING WITH MUSIC GENRES
Purple Words: Popcorn, Rapture, Rocketry, Soulmate
Did you guess the answers correctly? If so, congratulations. If not, there will be another opportunity to crack the puzzle tomorrow.
Connections is released at midnight in your local time zone. Newsweek will be back with another round of hints and tips for each new game.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Shannon Power is a Greek-Australian reporter, but now calls London home. They have worked as across three continents in print, ... Read more
