This blog post provides hints, solutions, and commentary for the New York Times Connections game on Thursday, January 9th. The author begins with a personal anecdote about the onset of winter and expresses their anticipation for spring. They then promote a Discord community they’ve created for discussing Connections and the blog itself, encouraging readers to join for feedback and shared strategies.
The post then explains the rules of Connections. Players are presented with a grid of 16 words and must group them into four sets of four connected words. There’s only one correct solution, and incorrect guesses cost "lives," with a maximum of four allowed mistakes. The groups are color-coded: yellow (easiest), green and blue (medium), and purple (hardest, often involving wordplay). The game can be played daily on the NYT website or app. Subscribers can also access the archive of past games. The author provides a link to their blog where they have compiled hints and answers for previous Connections puzzles.
Next, the post lists the 16 words for the January 9th puzzle: SHINING, FINANCE, TABLE, IT, STAND, STAY, TO, IT, SEA, STALL, COME, FROM, LEGAL, HEEL, BOOTH, SALES. The author then offers a set of hints for each color-coded group: Yellow – where you buy goods at a fair or bazaar; Green – animal instructions; Blue – divisions that keep things rolling; Purple – anthemic closers.
Following the hints, the author reveals the categories without explicitly listing the words within each: Yellow – vendor’s spot at a market; Green – dog commands; Blue – corporate departments; Purple – last words in “America The Beautiful.” This allows readers to attempt solving the puzzle with a little more guidance.
Finally, the post reveals the answers: Yellow – BOOTH, STALL, STAND, TABLE; Green – COME, HEEL, SIT, STAY; Blue – FINANCE, IT, LEGAL, SALES; Purple – FROM, SEA, TO, SHINING. The author shares their personal gameplay experience, noting their initial misdirection thinking some words related to Stephen King novels, and their satisfaction at correctly identifying the purple group early on due to their familiarity with "America The Beautiful" (perhaps unexpectedly, from Wrestlemania). They also describe their near-miss with the green group and the eventual deduction of the blue and yellow groups.
The author remarks on the slight repetition of a theme (company divisions) between this puzzle and the previous day’s. They also share their current win streak and game board results, showcasing a mix of correct and incorrect guesses. They conclude by encouraging readers to check back for future Connections hints and solutions and recommending Stanley Kubrick’s film adaptation of The Shining.
The post closes with a personal touch, urging readers to stay hydrated, connect with loved ones, and follow the blog for more word game coverage and video game content. They also mention their presence on Bluesky. The informal, conversational tone throughout the post aims to create a friendly and accessible environment for Connections enthusiasts.
The structure of the post is designed to progressively reveal information, allowing readers to engage with the puzzle at their desired level of challenge. They can start with just the words, proceed to the hints if needed, move on to the group categories for further assistance, and finally reveal the complete answers. The author’s personal gameplay commentary adds a relatable element and provides insights into different approaches to solving the puzzle.
The author’s integration of personal details, such as their anticipation for spring and their enjoyment of Wrestlemania, creates a more personable connection with readers. The inclusion of a Discord server further fosters community engagement and discussion around the game.
The post’s length is primarily due to the gradual unveiling of information, the author’s detailed explanation of the game rules, and their personal reflections on their gameplay experience. While concisely conveying the essential information, the conversational style and additional details contribute to a more engaging and accessible read for Connections players.
The post also subtly promotes the author’s wider blog content, encompassing other word games and video game analysis. This helps to build a broader audience and establish the author as a resource for gaming enthusiasts.
The final personal notes about drinking water and calling loved ones add a touch of warmth and remind readers to take care of themselves amidst their puzzle-solving endeavors. This reinforces the friendly and supportive tone of the blog.
Overall, the blog post effectively serves as a helpful resource for Connections players while fostering a sense of community and offering a glimpse into the author’s personality and interests. The structured approach to revealing information allows readers to choose their level of engagement and challenge, ensuring an inclusive experience for players of all skill levels.
