In the NYT Connections puzzle, solvers often find themselves stuck when trying to categorize words that seem to fit multiple categories, leading to confusion and misgrouping. For instance, the words "MUSHROOM" and "BALLOON" might initially appear to fit into the same category due to their associations with growth or increase, but they belong to the distinct category of INCREASE. Similarly, the term "STOCK" in the context of "___ SPLIT" can cause hesitation as it may evoke thoughts of finance or trading, but it is essential to recognize it as part of a common phrase rather than a standalone term that could fit in multiple categories. This confusion can lead to mixing words from different groups, resulting in incorrect classifications and wasted time.

To effectively distinguish between the real groups and plausible decoys, players should look for unique characteristics or common themes that define each category. For example, in the PLACES THAT SELL GAS group, each option is a well-known gas station brand, which helps in quickly eliminating any outliers that don't fit this theme. In contrast, the words in the INCREASE category are all verbs or nouns that relate to growth or expansion, which can help solvers identify the correct grouping. Focusing on the context of each word and its typical usage can provide valuable clues for accurate categorization.

One useful heuristic for future puzzles is to always consider the most common associations for each word. When you encounter a word, think about its typical context or any phrases it commonly appears in. This can help you quickly eliminate categories that don't fit. Another tactic is to group words based on their characteristics first and then see if they fit into any known phrases or categories. This approach can streamline the process of identifying the correct groups and prevent misclassifications.