In solving this NYT Connections puzzle, players often find themselves stuck when trying to identify the correct categories for words that can fit into multiple contexts. For instance, the words "BASH" and "RAVE" both suggest lively social events, which might lead solvers to mistakenly group them with words like "BLOWOUT" and "BLAST" without recognizing the distinct theme of parties. Similarly, the word "MAKEUP" can be ambiguous, as it could refer to both a physical constitution and cosmetics. This duality can lead to confusion when trying to categorize the words accurately.

To effectively distinguish the real groups from plausible decoys in this puzzle, solvers should focus on identifying the underlying themes for each set of words. The yellow group revolves around types of parties, emphasizing the celebratory nature of the words. The green group, on the other hand, relates to components of one’s constitution, a more abstract concept that requires players to think about the essence of a person. Recognizing these themes not only helps in placing words in their correct categories but also aids in eliminating words that seem to fit but do not align with the overall concept.

A useful heuristic for players to remember for future puzzles is to look for thematic connections that are not immediately obvious. For example, when encountering a word that has multiple meanings, consider its most common usage within the context of other words in the puzzle. Additionally, grouping words based on their connotations—like associating "Dram," "Ounce," "Pound," and "Stone" with units of weight—can streamline the categorization process, making it easier to see which words belong together. By applying these strategies, solvers can enhance their efficiency and accuracy in tackling future puzzles.