In this puzzle, solvers often get stuck on the color-coded categories due to the close associations between some words, which can lead to confusion. For example, the words in the YELLOW group—THROW OUT: BOOT, BOUNCE, EJECT, TOSS—can easily mislead players who might be looking for synonyms or related actions rather than focusing on the common theme of discarding or throwing away. Similarly, the PURPLE group, TOM HANKS MOVIES: BIG, PHILADELPHIA, SPLASH, SULLY, may trip up players who are not as familiar with his filmography, potentially leading them to misclassify one of the titles based on personal preference or recognition rather than the correct grouping. This ambiguity can cause unnecessary delays in identifying the correct categories and completing the puzzle.

To distinguish between the real groups and plausible decoys, solvers should pay attention to the semantic relationships and shared themes among the words. For instance, the words in the GREEN group—TERRA FIRMA: EARTH, GROUND, LAND, SOIL—are all related to the concept of land and nature, making them easier to identify as a cohesive group. In contrast, the BLUE group, SEAS: BALTIC, BLACK, PHILIPPINE, RED, is united by the commonality of being names of seas, which can be remembered through geographical knowledge. Recognizing these thematic connections can help solvers quickly eliminate decoys and confidently group the words.

One effective heuristic for future puzzles is to first identify any clear categories that stand out due to their distinct thematic elements. By doing this, solvers can often uncover the easier groups first, which can provide a framework for tackling the more challenging groupings. Additionally, it can be helpful to keep an eye out for words that evoke a strong visual or emotional connection, as these can often lead to more immediate associations and clearer categorizations. This method not only streamlines the solving process but also enhances overall confidence in making connections.