The New York Times’ popular word puzzle, Connections, continues to challenge players with its clever groupings and wordplay. Today’s puzzle, #844, features four groups of four words each, ranging from dog commands to Oscar-winning animated films. For those struggling, here’s a breakdown of the hints and answers to help you solve the puzzle.
Yellow Group Hint: Roll over! Shake!
Answer: Dog commands
The yellow group consists of words related to commands given to dogs. The four words are come, down, heel, and stay. These are all common commands used in training or everyday interactions with dogs.
Green Group Hint: You merited that reward.
Answer: Deserved
The green group revolves around the concept of deserving something. The four words are due, fair, just, and right. These words all relate to merit or fairness.
Blue Group Hint: Where should it go?
Answer: Situated
The blue group focuses on placement or location. The four words are left, placed, put, and set. These words all describe positioning or arrangement.
Purple Group Hint: Cartoons, sure, but great ones.
Answer: Best animated feature Oscar winners
The purple group is the most challenging, featuring four films that won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. The words are Brave, Flow, Frozen, and Up. (Note: “Flow” is likely a typo or shorthand for “Spirited Away,” as it is the 2019 film that won the Oscar. ).
Tips to Improve Your Gameplay
Connections can be tricky, but a few strategies can help you crack the code:
- Say the words aloud : Pause before and after each word to hear how they fit into phrases or categories. For example, words like “Up” or “Brave” might suggest phrases like “sit up” or “have the courage.”
- Avoid obvious groupings : Editors often use misleading clues to distract players. Don’t jump to the first grouping that comes to mind—shuffle the words for a fresh perspective.
- Break down compound words : Look for words that might be part of larger phrases. For instance, “Rushmore” was once part of a puzzle where the connection involved rock band names.
The NYT Connections Bot
The Times has introduced a new tool for Connections players: the Connections Bot. After completing a puzzle, players can receive a score and detailed analysis of their performance. Registered users can track their progress, including the number of puzzles completed, win rate, perfect scores, and win streaks. This new feature adds a fun, competitive element to the game.
Why This Matters
Connections isn’t just a game—it’s a mental workout that encourages creativity, lateral thinking, and pattern recognition. With over 800 puzzles released since its debut, the game has become a cultural phenomenon, appealing to word lovers and casual players alike. The NYT’s commitment to innovation, like the Connections Bot, shows how the puzzle is evolving to meet the demands of its growing community.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer, today’s puzzle offers a fun challenge. Try it out and see how many groups you can uncover
