In this puzzle, solvers often struggle with the distinction between groups that seem related but ultimately belong to different categories. For example, the words "bowling pins" and "bowling ball" can confuse players since they both relate to the sport of bowling. However, while "bowling pins" fits into the group of "groups of ten," the bowling ball belongs to the group of "things with holes." Another common pitfall is the inclusion of terms like "swimming pool" and "supermarket" in the "places with lanes" category, as it may not be immediately clear how these locations relate to the idea of lanes, leading to hesitation in categorizing them correctly. Solvers might also mix up "Bowling Green" with other NYC landmarks, given that it shares the word "bowling" but actually belongs to the blue category.

To effectively distinguish real groups from plausible decoys, players should look for shared characteristics that strongly tie the words together. For instance, in the yellow group, the unifying theme is the number ten, which is evident in the commandments and fingers, while the blue group focuses on well-known landmarks in downtown NYC. Identifying these defining characteristics can help eliminate confusion and clarify which words belong together. Additionally, players should be cautious of words that might fit into more than one category but lack a strong connection to the others in that group, as this is often a sign of a decoy.

One useful heuristic for future puzzles is to always consider the broader context of the words presented. If you can identify a central theme or commonality among a set of words, it will significantly aid in grouping them correctly. Another strategy is to eliminate the words that seem out of place first; this can help narrow down possibilities and give clearer direction for categorizing the remaining words. By applying these techniques, players can enhance their puzzle-solving efficiency and accuracy.