A training ground for the mind

Freeform Thinking

Loosening the grip — using NYT Connections as the mirror.

Lesson 1
The Polysemy Pass

Refuse the first meaning. Demand three buckets per word before you group anything.

Lesson 2
The Transformation Pass

When meaning runs dry, flip to string-mode: ± a letter, hidden word, homophone, anagram, attach.

Lesson 3
The Hidden Hub

The category is often a word that isn’t on the board. Find what the four tiles point to.

Lesson 4
Which Indirection?

One dead cluster can hide two different tricks. Name the fork — sense, attach, or letters — instead of grinding one.

Lesson 5
Defer & Test

Holding groups loosely — subtract-and-see before you ever spend a guess.

Your teacher is one message away — bring a board that stumped you.
Community: r/NYTConnections