In this puzzle, solvers often get stuck on the blue category, specifically with the words CLASSIC, LITTLE, PLYMOUTH, and THE. The challenge arises because the clue ‘___ ROCK’ can lead to a variety of interpretations, causing confusion. For instance, a solver might initially think of classic rock bands or songs, which could lead them to incorrectly group those words with others that seem to fit a musical theme. Additionally, the word LITTLE can also throw off players, as it might seem to fit into a category of diminutive descriptors rather than a specific phrase associated with rock music.

Another area where solvers may struggle is the purple category, which includes words like DARTMOUTH, DASHBOARD, FLYWHEEL, and RUSHMORE. The clue suggests a connection to movement, but players might mistakenly focus on the geographic connotations of DARTMOUTH and RUSHMORE and overlook the more dynamic aspects of DASHBOARD and FLYWHEEL, leading to misclassification. This illustrates how a focus on surface meanings rather than deeper thematic connections can complicate the categorization process.

To distinguish real groups from plausible decoys, solvers should look for consistent themes or characteristics that unify the words in each category. For example, in the yellow group, all terms relate to talking or communication, which is a clear and distinct theme. In contrast, words that do not share a commonality, such as those in the blue category, should be re-evaluated based on their potential connections to the clue provided, rather than on their individual appearances.

A useful heuristic for future puzzles is to always start by identifying the strongest and most obvious groupings before tackling the more ambiguous ones. Additionally, when faced with a tricky set of words, consider the broader context of the clues and whether they imply a specific theme or category that can help guide your decisions. This approach can help prevent the misclassification of words and make the path to solving the puzzle clearer.