Cracking Connections #755: A Step-by-Step Breakdown
Staring at 16 words and feeling stuck? Here’s how to systematically decode today’s puzzle without guesswork:
Step 1: Identify Obvious Groups
Scan for clear patterns first:
- HUSTLE, RACKET, SCHEME, STING
Connection: All describe fraudulent activities (Yellow: “Con game”) - BEAT, BLEND, FOLD, STIR
Connection: Common baking techniques (Green: “Combine ingredients”)
Step 2: Tackle Abstract Relationships
Look for verbs with dual meanings:
- BURN, ITCH, LONG, PINE
Connection: Verbs expressing intense desire (Blue: “Yearn”)
Step 3: Solve the Tricky Purple Category
Think beyond literal meanings:
- BUCKET, LAUNDRY, SHORT, TO-DO
Connection: All pair with “list” to form common phrases: - Bucket list
- Laundry list
- Shortlist
- To-do list
Pro Tips for Future Puzzles
- Start concrete: Physical actions/objects often form the easier categories.
- Watch for wordplay: Purple categories frequently use homonyms or compound terms.
- Eliminate overlaps: If a word fits multiple groups, test it in different contexts.
Today’s Color-Coded Solution
🟨 Con game: HUSTLE, RACKET, SCHEME, STING
🟩 Combine ingredients: BEAT, BLEND, FOLD, STIR
🟦 Yearn: BURN, ITCH, LONG, PINE
🟪 ___list: BUCKET, LAUNDRY, SHORT, TO-DO
Why This Works: Methodically addressing clear groups first builds momentum, while saving abstract categories for last prevents early frustration. The purple “list” connection demonstrates the importance of considering hidden compound words—a common NYT puzzle trope.
