Following the astonishing success of Wordle, which The New York Times purchased for a low seven-figure sum in January 2022, the paper launched Connections in June 2023, and the game has already picked up a loyal following across the English-speaking world.
How to Play ‘Connections’
The aim of Connections is to divide the 16 words you are initially given into four categories based on common characteristics.
Players select four words at a time and, if they are linked, forming one of the four categories, the letters light up and are removed from the board.
Each of the four categories is color-coded to denote its difficulty, with yellow representing the easiest, followed by green, blue and purple.
Once you correctly link four words, their color will be revealed, letting you know how difficult the quiz setters considered that part of the puzzle to be.
There is no time limit, but players can make up to four mistakes only before the game ends, representing a loss.
The player can also shuffle the board at any time, meaning the 16 words will be randomly repositioned.
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Sometimes, a word can appear to belong in more than one category, but there is only ever one right answer.
Connections editor Wyna Liu said that, if five cards appear to belong to the same category, your best bet may well be to move onto a different category and see if you can eliminate some of the words.
“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.
The answers for Saturday’s Connections puzzle will be revealed at the end of this article, so please scroll down with caution if you want to work them out yourself.
‘Connections’ #371 Clues for Sunday, June 16
Newsweek has some hints to help you figure out today’s Connections categories.
Yellow: Related to your current ability.
Green: All areas with low human habitation.
Blue: Things you might find in someone’s garden.
Purple: Connected to stories.
‘Connections’ #371 Answers for Saturday, June 16
Yellow Category: CURRENT SITUATION
Yellow Words: CONDITION, FORM, SHAPE, STATE
Green Category: REMOTE RURAL AREA
Green Words: BUSH, COUNTRY, STICKS, WOODS
Blue Category: CLASSIC LAWN ORNAMENTS
Blue Words: FLAMINGO, FOUNTAIN, GNOME, PINWHEEL
Purple Category: _ TALE
Purple Words: FAIRY, FISH, FOLK, TALL
Did you figure out today’s puzzle? If so congratulations, but please don’t be put off if not. That wasn’t an easy one, and if you are new in particular, the format can take some getting used to.
A new Connections challenge will be released on Monday, and Newsweek will be back with another round of hints and tips.
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.