Hints and Answers for January 3rd: Strategies for solving the puzzle “Connections” #572

Connections is one of the most popular New York Times word games that has caught the public’s attention. The game revolves around finding the “common threads between words.” Similar to Wordle, Connections resets after midnight, and each new set of words becomes more challenging—so we’ve compiled some hints and tips to help you overcome the challenge.

If you just want today’s puzzle solution, you can skip to the end of this article. But if you prefer to solve it on your own, continue reading for clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

What is Connections?

The NYT‘s latest daily word game has become a social media sensation. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to develop the new word game and introducing it to the publication’s Games section. Connections is playable on web browsers and mobile devices, challenging players to group four words that have something in common.

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Each puzzle contains 16 words, divided into four categories. These sets can include anything from book titles to software to country names, and more. Even though multiple words may seem related, there is only one correct answer.

If a player correctly identifies all four words in a set, those words are eliminated from the board. Guessing wrong counts as a mistake—players are allowed up to four mistakes before the game ends.

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Players can rearrange and shuffle the board to make finding connections easier. Each group is color-coded, with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share your results with friends on social media.

Here’s a hint for today’s Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Try these:

• Yellow: Below the ankle

• Green: A Washington

• Blue: Mario’s favorites

• Purple: Same first name

Here are today’s Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today’s connections fall into these categories:

• Yellow: Parts of a foot

• Green: One dollar

• Blue: Kinds of mushrooms

• Purple: Pot ___

Looking for Wordle today? Here’s the answer to today’s Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today’s puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today’s Connections #573 is…

What is the answer to Connections today

• Parts of a foot: ARCH, BALL, HEEL, SOLE

• One dollar: BUCK, CLAM, SINGLE, SMACKER

• Kinds of mushrooms: BUTTON, MOREL, OYSTER, TRUMPET

• Pot ___: BELLY, HOLE, LUCK, STICKER

Don’t feel discouraged if you didn’t guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to challenge your brain with, and we’ll be here again with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today’s Strands.

If you’re looking for more puzzles, Mashable’s got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you’re after? Here’s the solution to yesterday’s Connections.