‘Connections’ February 12: Hints and Answers for Puzzle #612

Introduction to Connections

If you find yourself scratching your head over today’s Connections brainteaser, you’re certainly not alone. It’s a challenging game that has gained a massive following since its public release in 2023, following the success of Wordle. Both games are now published daily by The New York Times, and they have become a part of many people’s daily routines. Wyna Liu, the puzzle editor at the NYT who creates the Connections puzzles, expressed her surprise and delight at the game’s widespread appeal. "The response has been really incredible and overwhelming, and unexpected," she told Newsweek. "It’s exciting that something I care very deeply about is resonating with people." Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer, the game offers a fun and engaging way to exercise your brain and test your vocabulary skills.

How to Play ‘Connections’

For those who are new to Connections or need a refresher, the rules are straightforward and easy to grasp. The game presents you with 16 words that you must categorize into four groups, each with its own common theme. The categories are color-coded: yellow (easiest), green, blue, and purple (hardest). For example, in a recent puzzle, the words "block," "bolster," "mat," and "strap" were grouped under the blue category titled "Yoga accessories." Once you have decided which words belong to a category, click the "Submit" button. If your selection is correct, the words will flash in the category color and be removed from the board. If not, they will remain gray and stay on the board, allowing you to try again. Additionally, if you’re feeling stuck, there’s a handy "Shuffle" button that remixes the words to give you a fresh perspective.

‘Connections’ #612 Hints for February 12, 2023

To help you tackle Wednesday’s puzzle, Newsweek provides some valuable clues and hints:

1. Yellow Category: Proof that you own something

   • This category is the easiest and involves words that are commonly used to establish ownership. Think about legal documents, receipts, and things you might keep to show you own an item.

2. Green Category: Theater terms

   • Theater enthusiasts will find this category familiar. Consider words that are used in stage performances, such as types of acts, roles, or props.

3. Blue Category: Words related to The Simpsons

   • This category is a bit more niche but equally fun. Reflect on the famous animated show and the props or items that are often associated with its characters.
4. Purple Category: Think "shake, rattle and roll"
   • This is the hardest category and requires a bit of creativity. The theme is loosely based on the phrase "shake, rattle and roll," so think about words that fit this description, whether they are actions or objects that can be shaken, rattled, or rolled.

‘Connections’ #612 Answers for February 12, 2023

Here are the correct answers for Wednesday’s puzzle, should you need them:

1. Yellow Category: DOCUMENTS OF OWNERSHIP

   • Yellow Words: Certificate, Deed, Receipt, Title
   • These words are all related to legal or official documents that prove ownership of various items or assets.

2. Green Category: BITS IN A VARIETY SHOW

   • Green Words: Dance, Monologue, Sketch, Song
   • These words are commonly used in theater and variety shows, representing different types of performances or segments.

3. Blue Category: PROPS FOR CHARACTERS ON "THE SIMPSONS"

   • Blue Words: Donut, Pacifier, Saxophone, Skateboard
   • These items are iconic props associated with characters from the animated series "The Simpsons." Donuts, for instance, are a favorite of Homer Simpson, while a pacifier is often seen with Maggie.
4. Purple Category: STARTING WITH "SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL"
   • Purple Words: Android, Rattlesnake, Rollerblade, Shakespeare
   • This category is the most challenging as it requires you to think about words that can be associated with the actions in the phrase "shake, rattle and roll." An Android can shake (vibrate), a Rattlesnake can rattle, Rollerblades can roll, and Shakespeare can be associated with the phrase through the title of one of his plays, "The Winter’s Tale," which includes the line "Shake, rattle, and roll!"

Tips for Future Puzzles

If you didn’t manage to solve today’s puzzle, don’t be too hard on yourself. Each day brings a new challenge, and you’ll have another opportunity to try your hand at it. Connections is released at midnight in your local time zone, so be sure to check back with Newsweek daily for more hints and answers. Here are a few general tips to keep in mind:

• Take Your Time: Don’t rush through the puzzle. Sometimes, stepping away and coming back to it later can provide new insights.
• Think Broadly: Categories can sometimes be broader than you initially think. For example, a category about "The Simpsons" might include items, characters, or places from the show.
• Use the Shuffle Button: If you’re stuck, don’t hesitate to use the "Shuffle" button. It can rearrange the words and help you see connections you might have missed.
• Practice Regularly: The more you play, the better you’ll become at recognizing patterns and making connections.

Additional Challenges

If you’re craving more brain teasers while you wait for the next Connections puzzle, there are plenty of other popular word-based games to enjoy. Wordle, of course, is a great choice, but you might also want to try:

• Spelling Bee: A game where you must form words using a set of given letters, with a central letter that must be included in every word.
• Letter Boxed: A puzzle where you must connect letters on the sides of a square to form words, using each letter at least once.
• Quordle: A more challenging version of Wordle where you must solve multiple five-letter words simultaneously.

These games offer a variety of challenges and can help keep your mind sharp and engaged. So, whether you’re relaxing at a coffee shop or unwinding at home, there’s always a word game waiting to test your skills and keep you entertained.