Does anyone else play the Connections Game from the NYT?

[Laffy Kat]

When it first started it was so easy and now it kicks my butt. Either it's getting harder or I'm losing it.

[NoSheep]

1. I've played it twice. How long have you been playing it?

[Laffy Kat]

3. I think since it started.

I do have a subscription to NYTs, so I didn't even realize you could reach a paywall. There is still no paywall for Wordle.

[Croney]

2. Yes, I play it but only to the point of having to subscribe.

I don't dare subscribe, I have an addictive personality.

[NH Ethylene]

16. The nice thing about these games are that you can only play each once a day.

I play the NYT Spelling Bee each day. I just tried Connections but totally messed it up - LOL! I probably should have read the directions.

[Raven]

4. I've played it since it first came out. I love it, but it is getting more difficult. n/t

[Laffy Kat]

7. So it's not just me? Good! nt

[C_U_L8R]

5. Some days, you get Connections.

Other days, it gets you.

It's a good daily brain workout.

[Laffy Kat]

8. It really is! nt

[Srkdqltr]

6. I have been playing for about a month, some days are very easy some are hard.

I enjoy it. Wordle too. Seems to me difficulty or ease depends on how you think. No real right or wrong.

[dpibel]

9. Seems pretty random

Some days, it's a lark. Some days I can't even get one set.

Seems to me a fair bit about what trivia you're good at and what you're not.

Plus a fair dose of guessing what the puzzle setter might be thinking.

[Laffy Kat]

15. I think that's what makes it so addictive. nt

[Sogo]

10. I tried it a few times, but was not very good at it.

I think I only got the four groups twice; otherwise usually only two.

So, I stopped playing, because it was more frustrating than fun....


I'm pretty good at Wordle, though; almost never can't get it.

[Laffy Kat]

11. You'll probably get better if you keep it up.

It's a hit and miss type of game.

[CTriverYankee]

12. Just started this week.

I rather enjoy it. Once I finish Wordle I tackle this. Keep the brain working, sorta.

[WestMichRad]

13. I've been trying...

… for the last couple of weeks. Sometimes I get all four, sometimes I don’t.

I do the wordle daily, and like the 6-letter version too: https://wordhurdle.co/
You can play the wordhurdle twice daily; it changes every 12 hours, at 12:00 ET.

[IcyPeas]

14. Love it. I've been playing every night. Put the link on my home screen for easy access.

You don't need a NYT subscription.

[herding cats]

17. I'm addicted to it.

I've been playing since it went live and haven't missed a day.

It's like a UK show called Only Connect. It's a train your brain to see the connections kind of thing. But sometimes there are just too many possible crossover words!

I freely admit todays blue one was my last to figure out. When I opened it and saw all those single letters I was like, 'oh, come on man!' 😂

I'm also addicted to Spelling Bee and get major excited when I get Queen Bee. I'm weird. 🤷🏻‍♀️😁

[Laffy Kat]

19. I've never played Spelling Bee.

Think I'll try it.

[herding cats]

20. Let me know if you like it!

I've been hooked on Spelling Bee for years. Once you figure out the words they allow and frequent it's fun! Some of the words are just obscure but it helps keep you on your toes.

[KarenS]

18. I play it every day,,,,

Wordle Connections Spelling Bee and the mini Cross word,,,,

I agree that some days are easier to see than others,,,,

[mia]

21. Just started playing last weekend.

It's my new favorite game. I also recently have been enjoying Phrazle. It comes out twice a day.
https://solitaired.com/phrazle

[Laffy Kat]

22. I'll check it out. It looks rather challenging.

[nuxvomica]

23. I play every day

As soon as I decide on the first group of four, I try to see whether it's also group of five and don't submit until I figure out which other group of four is sharing a word with the first one. When I'm stuck, I put it aside and come back later. In the meantime, the little grey cells have been working in the background figuring it out while my conscious mind is doing other things so when I look at again the answer is sometimes obvious.

Another good free game is "Flashback". It's a weekly game where you are given descriptions of eight historical events and you have to place them in the right chronological order. It's actually educational and you can feel yourself getting smarter as you play.

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/09/02/upshot/flashback.html

[Laffy Kat]

24. Thanks, I love this type of thing. I'll give it a go.

[Harker]

25. I used to think I was getting better at the Sunday NYT crossword

puzzles until I bought a book of puzzles from the 1970s.

I do the Connections daily, and they do seem tougher lately, as there are a greater number of crossover words that fit multiple categories.

It's fun and good exercise.

[Laffy Kat]

26. It sure is! I think it would be advantageous for age groups 12 and up.

There's a few of those types of problems on the SAT and ACT if I remember correctly. Good practice.

[Harker]

29. Yes!

Getting into the habit of considering words for multiple meanings while categorizing is a mind builder.

The little sting of "losing" has made me increasingly deliberate.

Thought-provoking games are always a "win."

[Different Drummer]

27. I play it most days.

Not always very well, mind you, but I do play it.

[Luciferous]

28. Yes, I enjoy it more than wordle