How To Play: Connections

Overview

If you keep losing at Connections and your friends won’t stop gloating, I feel your pain. I’ve played this word-matching game more times than I care to admit, so now I’m sharing my wisdom! This guide covers the basic rules (so you stop guessing like my friend Dave), plus the best strategies for winning. Yes, you’ll also learn How To Play connections—and maybe even crush your group chat.

What’s in the box

• 16 Word Cards
• 1 Rule Sheet
• 1 Game Board
• 1 Timer
• 4 Category Markers

How To Play Connections: Rules Summary

Setup

1. Take out your Connections board or card set. Place it in the middle of the table where everyone can reach.
2. Shuffle the cards if your set needs it. Then, lay out all 16 word cards face up in a neat grid.
3. Make sure everyone has a good view. Now stare at the cards in confusion for a few seconds—that’s optional but I always do it.

Gameplay

1. Look for four groups of words that connect, like things that are green, have holes, or the jobs my mom wishes I had.
2. When you spot a group, tap the four cards. If you’re right, those cards get removed from the grid. If you’re wrong, you get a strike (don’t worry, I’ve racked up plenty).
3. Work together in teams, or play solo. After each guess, keep searching for more connections until all groups are found or you run out of guesses.

Winning

1. You win if you group all four sets correctly before you run out of guesses.
2. If you’re like me and guess groups that don’t exist (looking at you, “ice cream flavors that sound like break-up songs”), you risk losing after four wrong guesses.
3. Victory comes with bragging rights and the right to demand a snack from all other players.

Special Rules & Conditions

1. If you find a group that isn’t on the official list, but you can convince everyone else? House rules say you might get a pity point—unless you play with my cousin, who is ruthless.
2. If you spot multiple ways to group words, check the color codes (if your set has them) to break ties.
3. When playing online, some versions have a timer. Ignore it if you panic easily, like me.

There you go! Now you know How To Play connections and won’t get shown up by your neighbor’s kid again. Unless he’s eight, like in my case.

Best Connections Strategies

Group Words Like a Connections Champion!

Look for Themed Clusters First

I always start by spotting groups with an obvious theme. This helps me cut the clutter fast. For example, fruit, sports, or things that make my cat hiss.

1. Scan for similar categories
2. Check for obvious pairs and build out

Watch for Sneaky Synonyms and Homonyms

My friends love to throw words that sound alike or mean the same into the mix. I stay sharp by checking for tricky wordplay. For this, I always pause and ask, “What’s the trap here?”

1. Highlight words with double meanings
2. Test them in different combinations

Use Gut Instinct (and a Bit of Chaos)

When in doubt, I trust my gut. After all, Connections loves chaos and weird links. If something seems to match, I try it—sometimes it’s the oddball sets that win!

1. Make fast first passes with guesses
2. Don’t overthink at the start

How To Play connections is all about linking words in ways nobody expects. Practice makes it easier to spot those sneaky groups!

The Art of Dodging Red Herrings in Connections

Trust Your Gut

I always get tripped up by those sneaky words that almost fit. My gut usually whispers, “Nope, not this one!” Trust that little voice. It saves more games than my lucky socks.

1. Read all words before acting.
2. If a word feels forced, skip it for now.

Test Groupings

Nothing beats testing word combos. Make groups and see if everything fits. Odd one out? There’s your red herring.

1. Create possible groups.
2. Swap in and out suspicious words.

Watch for Pattern Traps

Sometimes, a word follows a common pattern but belongs nowhere. Don’t fall for it! These are classic bait.

1. Check if a word could fit in two or more groups.
2. Flag repeat offenders across plays.

Both my friends and I have lost by chasing these sneaky words. Now, with these tricks and some practice, those red herrings don’t stand a chance. That’s my number one tip for How To Play connections and come out on top!

How To Play connections: Mastering Your Guesses Without Losing Your Mind

Think Before You Click

Don’t just click random groups. Instead, pause and check if your combo makes sense. This quick check can save you from silly mistakes. I once lost because I went into panic-click mode. Don’t be me.

Plan Your Moves

1. Keep mental notes of earlier guesses.
2. Remember which words fit other possible groups.
3. Organize words on the board to help spot potential patterns.

Use Your Errors

If you mess up, learn from it! Every wrong guess is a clue for the real answer. Try to adjust your next move based on these little failures.

Trust Your Gut, But Stay Flexible

1. Act on your hunches if you feel confident.
2. But if a guess doesn’t fit, move on quickly!

Ready to Outsmart Connections?

Well, there you have it! After a dozen games, three head-scratching arguments, and one accidental hint blurted out by yours truly, I can say the How To Play connections strategy guide covers the big stuff. Look for sneaky word groupings, dodge those pesky red herrings, and treat your guesses like gold. Most of all, have fun confusing your friends—nothing beats that moment when your wild guess turns out right. Now go ahead and show off your skills!

Want to know what we think of Connections? Read our detailed review of Connections here