Mental Models to Use When Stuck on a Connections Puzzle

If you've ever found yourself completely stuck while playing the connections game, you're not alone. This kind of word puzzle can really throw you off, especially when your brain gets stuck in one direction of thinking. But don't worry—there are a few helpful mental models that can make the process a bit easier and more fun.

First up is the "grouping by function" idea. Instead of looking at what the words mean on their own, ask yourself how they’re used. For example, if you see words like "screwdriver," "hammer," "wrench," and "pliers," think: What do all these items help people *do*? In this case, they’re all tools. Figuring out how the words work or what job they do can be a good angle.

Next, there’s the "chunking" model. This is just a fancy way of saying: Don’t try to make sense of all 16 words at once. Start by pulling out 2 or 3 that seem like they belong together. Once you get one group locked in, solving the rest gets easier. Think of it like solving a jigsaw puzzle—getting the edge pieces in place helps reveal the picture.

You can also try "outlier hunting." This is useful when some words really don’t seem to fit with the rest. Set those aside. Sometimes getting stuck is just your brain getting confused by a word that’s meant to trip you up. Filtering out the distractions can leave you with the clearest patterns.

The "lateral thinking" approach is a good one too. Instead of thinking directly about the words, try letting your mind wander. For example, the word "mouse" might make you think of a computer, or a pet, or fear of cats—any one of those might help spark a possible group connection.

Lastly, remember the "theme guessing" model. Even before you solve a group, take a guess at what types of categories might be used. Are they pop culture names? Types of fruit? Slang words for money? Getting a basic idea helps narrow your focus.

Puzzles like these are meant to give your brain a workout, but they’re also supposed to be enjoyable. Don't stress too much when you’re stuck—step away for a few minutes if needed, and come back with fresh eyes. Sometimes, that's all it takes.