In the NYT Connections puzzle, solvers often find themselves stuck when faced with categories that have overlapping characteristics or when words can belong to multiple groups. For instance, the words in the YELLOW category, which all refer to wine vessels, can be confusing for those who may not be familiar with the terms 'decanter' or 'carafe.' Similarly, players might struggle with the GREEN category, as the words 'cleft,' 'rent,' 'split,' and 'torn' all denote some form of division or damage, making it easy to second-guess their choices if they focus too much on synonyms rather than contextual usage. These types of overlaps can lead to misgrouping, especially when players attempt to make connections based solely on surface-level meanings without considering the specific context of each word.

To effectively distinguish between the real groups and plausible decoys in this puzzle, solvers should look for strong thematic ties among the words. For example, in the BLUE category, all terms are specific types of snakes, which is a more straightforward category compared to the ambiguity present in the PURPLE category words. The word 'call' in PURPLE can lead to multiple interpretations, making it crucial to identify whether the words are commonly associated with a specific phrase or concept. Focusing on the unique characteristics of each word—like the context of wine vessels or types of snakes—can help clarify groupings and reduce confusion.

One key heuristic for players to reuse in future puzzles is to identify the strongest thematic connections first. If a group stands out clearly—like the KINDS OF SNAKES in this puzzle—solvers should prioritize those words before tackling more ambiguous categories. Additionally, if a word seems to fit into multiple categories, it’s wise to consider what other words it’s grouped with and how they align thematically. This approach can help narrow down choices and increase confidence in identifying the correct groups.