In this puzzle, solvers may find themselves stuck on the purple category, specifically the words that fit the pattern "___STONE." The challenge arises because the words in this category may not be immediately recognizable as related to "stone," leading to confusion. For instance, while "BIRTHSTONE" is a common term, players might struggle with identifying the other three words that complete the category. Additionally, the presence of words like "DRESS" and "SHAVE" in the grooming category can lead to uncertainty, as both terms can also relate to personal style, potentially making players second-guess whether they belong to the same group.

To distinguish the real groups from plausible decoys in this puzzle, players should look for clear thematic connections among the words. The yellow category, for example, is united by the concept of "stealing"—each word relates to taking something in a sneaky or covert manner. In contrast, the blue category focuses on appearance, with all words describing a polished or put-together look. By identifying these underlying themes, solvers can more easily eliminate words that don't fit, especially when faced with tricky options that may seem related at first glance.

One takeaway heuristic for solvers is to always consider the broader context of each word. If a word can fit into multiple categories, think about which category best captures its primary meaning or connotation. Additionally, solvers should be cautious of words that may seem to fit a category but lack a strong connection to the others, as these may serve as decoys. By applying these strategies, players can enhance their ability to identify the correct groupings and navigate through challenging puzzles with greater confidence.