In this puzzle, solvers may find themselves stuck when trying to identify the groups due to the overlap of themes and the presence of decoy words that do not fit neatly into any category. For instance, the words 'BANG' and 'SLAM' might confuse solvers who are trying to categorize them solely under the theme of physical actions. However, they are indeed part of the 'HIT HARD' category, which can be easily overlooked if one is not careful. Another potential pitfall is the word 'REGISTER,' which could mislead players into thinking it belongs to a different category, as it might evoke thoughts of events or records instead of being a type of newspaper. Misinterpreting the context of these words is a common issue that can derail a solver's progress.

To distinguish the real groups from plausible decoys, players should focus on the defining characteristics of each category. For example, the 'NEWSPAPER NAMES' group contains words that are specific to publications, and recognizing that all members share a commonality in being types of newspapers can help solidify this grouping. In contrast, words like 'BANANA' and 'CROISSANT' might initially seem like they could fit into a food category but are actually part of the 'CRESCENT-SHAPED THINGS' group. By analyzing the fundamental attributes of each word and how they relate to the categories, solvers can more effectively identify the correct groupings.

One useful heuristic for players to utilize in future puzzles is to first list out potential groupings based on initial impressions before diving deeper. This preliminary assessment can help identify which words seem to share a common theme, allowing for easier elimination of outliers. Additionally, solvers should be wary of words that might fit multiple categories but have a more specific or less common usage; honing in on the primary context can often clarify their true group. Keeping these strategies in mind will enhance problem-solving efficiency in future NYT Connections puzzles.