The New York Times daily Connections puzzle for October 23, 2023 (#865) challenged players with a mix of seemingly unrelated words that fit into four distinct categories. The puzzle tested associative thinking, with groups ranging from common phrases to niche Olympic terms.
For those seeking assistance, the solutions are as follows:
Yellow Group: Positive Adjectives
The theme is “peachy.” The correct answers are:
- Dandy
- Ducky
- Fine
- Swell
Green Group: Financial Gains
The theme is “winnings.” The correct answers are:
- Kitty
- Pot
- Prize
- Purse
Blue Group: Olympic Equipment
The theme is “pieces of Olympic sports equipment.” The correct answers are:
- Ball
- Birdie
- Puck
- Stone
Purple Group: Fill-in-the-Blank Bags
The theme is “____ bag.” The correct answers are:
- Doggy
- Go
- Mixed
- Swag
Tracking Performance: The Connections Bot
The New York Times now offers a Connections Bot that analyzes player performance. Registered users can track their puzzle completion rate, perfect scores, and win streaks. This feature caters to those who enjoy quantifying their progress in the game.
Previous Challenging Puzzles
Some of the most difficult Connections puzzles to date include:
- Puzzle #5: “Things you can set” (mood, record, table, volleyball)
- Puzzle #4: “One in a dozen” (egg, juror, month, rose)
- Puzzle #3: “Streets on screen” (Elm, Fear, Jump, Sesame)
- Puzzle #2: “Power ___” (nap, plant, Ranger, trip)
- Puzzle #1: “Things that can run” (candidate, faucet, mascara, nose)
These past puzzles demonstrate the game’s ability to create deceptively simple-sounding categories with unexpected answers.
The daily Connections puzzle continues to be a popular word association game, with a blend of accessible and challenging themes. The game’s difficulty can vary significantly, testing even seasoned puzzle solvers.
