In this puzzle, solvers often get stuck when trying to categorize words that have multiple meanings or when they encounter terms that can fit into more than one category. For instance, the words 'PORTAL' and 'HATCH' may confuse players because both can be interpreted as entryways but might not be as commonly associated with the same contexts. Additionally, the category of 'MAP FEATURES' contains words like 'COMPASS' and 'SCALE,' which may lead solvers to mistakenly group them with other terms that pertain to navigation or measurement, but do not fit together as a cohesive group. This ambiguity can create hesitation, as players struggle to finalize their groupings without a clear understanding of the underlying theme.

To effectively distinguish the real groups from plausible decoys, solvers should focus on the defining characteristics of each category. For example, the 'ENTRYWAY' group is clearly defined by physical structures that allow passage, while 'MAP FEATURES' are specifically related to elements found on a map. By identifying these distinct characteristics and ensuring that all words in a group share a common function or theme, players can reduce the likelihood of misclassification. It’s also useful to consider the context in which the words are commonly used; for instance, understanding that 'DOWNING' and 'WALL' are streets of symbolic importance can help solidify their placement in the correct category.

A helpful heuristic for future puzzles is to look for shared attributes among the words in a group. If a word can fit into multiple categories, ask yourself what unique aspect connects it to the other words in its intended group. Another strategy is to eliminate words that clearly do not belong to a category before finalizing your selections, which can help clarify the remaining options and prevent confusion.