The New York Times' Connections puzzle keeps drawing in word enthusiasts, and yesterday's edition—number 843 from October 1—proved no exception. With its mix of clever categories, it challenged players to link 16 words into four groups, blending everyday terms with subtle twists. Indeed, as the game enters its stride this fall, solvers are buzzing about the balance between accessibility and that satisfying "aha" moment.
Starting with the yellow category, think about natural water flows: words like brook, creek, rill, stream all point to small waterways that meander through landscapes. It's straightforward enough, yet it sets a gentle pace before things ramp up. However, the green group dives into harsher territory—sharp critiques, perhaps? Barb, dig, jab, slam capture those biting remarks that sting in conversations or reviews. One might argue this one's a tad predictable, but it fits the puzzle's rhythm without overcomplicating.
Moving along, the blue section echoes through vast spaces: canyon, cavern, hall, tunnel, places where sounds bounce endlessly. Here, the connections feel almost auditory, pulling you into imagining the reverb. And then there's purple, always the trickiest—names of prizes with a deceptive edge, like booby, door, wooden, x (as in booby prize, door prize, wooden spoon, X marks the spot for consolation wins). Indeed, this one's designed to trip up even seasoned players, rewarding those who spot the irony.
Overall, #843 clocked in at a moderate difficulty, with many reporting a few misplaced guesses before cracking it. The Times continues to refine these daily brain teasers, keeping them fresh amid the crossword crowd. Moreover, for those still pondering yesterday's solve, the interplay of themes highlights how language hides in plain sight.
As another Connections drops today, what unexpected links will emerge to test our wits?