In this puzzle, solvers often get stuck on distinguishing between the categories that seem similar or have overlapping meanings. For example, the words 'Cafeteria' and 'Quad' can easily confuse players because they both relate to college life but belong to different parts of a campus. Similarly, the term 'Dramatic' may seem like it could fit into both the 'Exaggerated, as a performance' and 'Starts of Greek letters' categories due to its broad application in various contexts. This overlap can lead to misgrouping, which is a common pitfall in NYT Connections puzzles.

To effectively distinguish the real groups from plausible decoys, players should focus on the defining characteristics of each category. For instance, in the 'Parts of a college campus' group, all terms are physical locations or spaces found on a campus, while in the 'Exaggerated, as a performance' category, the terms are adjectives that describe the nature of a performance rather than locations. By identifying these key traits, solvers can more easily categorize the words correctly and avoid misplacement.

A useful heuristic for future puzzles is to consider the context and usage of each word. For example, if a word can be associated with a specific theme or setting—such as college life or theatrical performance—it's likely part of that group. Additionally, it can be beneficial to group words into broad categories at first and then refine those categories based on specific characteristics. This layered approach allows players to make connections and eliminate options methodically, enhancing their chances of solving the puzzle correctly.