In this puzzle, solvers often get stuck on the purple group, particularly when trying to connect the words AGES, CHOCOLATE, HORSE, and MATTER. The challenge arises because the term "DARK" can lead to multiple interpretations. For example, while "DARK CHOCOLATE" is a well-known phrase, the other words do not fit as neatly under the same category, which can confuse players trying to form a cohesive group. Additionally, some solvers may mistakenly group HORSE with the others due to its association with darker colors in certain contexts, creating a false connection that can lead them astray.

Another common point of confusion is the blue group, which consists of COUNT, MEASURE, WEIGHT, and VOLUME. Players may initially think that these words all relate to quantifying items, which they do, but they might struggle to differentiate between the terms when under pressure. This can cause them to overlook the fact that these words specifically pertain to measurements commonly found on consumer packaging, rather than any general counting or measuring context.

To distinguish the real groups from plausible decoys, players should focus on the specific contextual clues provided by the words. For instance, recognizing that the yellow group is related to common descriptors helps players to eliminate words that don't fit into that category. Similarly, understanding that the green group relates to abandonment can help solidify the connection between DESERT, DUMP, MAROON, and STRAND, while helping to discard unrelated terms. An effective strategy is to look for words that share a specific thematic link, rather than relying solely on surface-level associations.

One useful heuristic for future puzzles is to always consider the context in which the words can be used together. Grouping words based on their common usage in phrases or idioms can often lead to clearer categorizations. Additionally, when encountering words that seem to fit multiple categories, take a moment to analyze their relationships more deeply, as this can often reveal the true connections and help avoid misgrouping.