In this puzzle, solvers often struggle with identifying the correct categories, particularly when the words have overlapping characteristics or when they can fit into multiple groups. For example, the terms 'FUNCTION' and 'GALA' can be misleading as they might seem to fit into a broader category of events, but they specifically align with fundraising events, which can cause confusion. Similarly, players might confuse 'AVENUE' and 'RAILROAD' with other board game terms, but recognizing that they belong to the specific theme of Monopoly spaces is crucial for success.

To effectively distinguish the real groups from plausible decoys, it's important to focus on the defining characteristics of the words in each category. The fundraising event group is defined by exclusivity and social significance, while the Monopoly spaces are tied to game mechanics and real estate. Pay attention to the unique attributes of each word; for instance, recognizing that 'BLUBBER' and 'FLIPPER' are features of a toothed whale helps isolate that group from possible decoys that might relate to other animal features. Similarly, understanding that 'BAWL' and 'SOUL' are homophones requires a different cognitive approach than the straightforward definitions of the other categories.

One useful heuristic for future puzzles is to look for thematic connections that are not immediately obvious. For example, in this puzzle, the fundraising event category might not be instantly recognizable to some, but thinking about social gatherings can help clarify the group. Another heuristic is to consider the context of the words; if they evoke specific imagery or are tied to a particular cultural or recreational activity, they are likely to belong together. This mindset can help solvers navigate through potential traps set by decoy words and lead them to the correct associations more efficiently.