In this puzzle, solvers often get stuck when they encounter ambiguous words that could fit into multiple categories. For instance, the word 'RAY' can refer to both a sea creature and a boxing maneuver, which may lead players to second-guess their initial groupings. Similarly, 'SPONGE' might cause confusion since it could be associated with various themes, but it clearly belongs to the sea creatures category. These overlaps can create uncertainty and disrupt the flow of solving, especially for those who are trying to categorize quickly without thoroughly considering each word's context.

To effectively distinguish the real groups from plausible decoys, players should look for clear defining characteristics of each category. For example, in the sea creatures group, all terms relate directly to marine life, while the basic shapes group consists solely of geometric figures. The boxing maneuvers are action-oriented words that describe specific movements in the sport, which can help differentiate them from the somewhat more abstract fancy words. Recognizing these defining traits allows solvers to eliminate words that do not fit the criteria, simplifying the grouping process.

One heuristic that players can reuse in future puzzles is to first identify any words that seem to have a strong association with a specific category and build around those. For instance, if you recognize 'CIRCLE' as a clear shape, you can then look for other geometric terms to complete that group. Another useful strategy is to always double-check the context of each word before finalizing its category; this can prevent mix-ups like the one seen with 'RAY' and ensure that all words are accurately placed.