In this puzzle, solvers often find themselves stuck when trying to categorize the words based on subtle connections. For instance, the terms 'LIGHT' and 'HEAVY' might confuse solvers who initially think they could belong to a different category, such as weights in a general context rather than specifically boxing. Similarly, 'CORE' and 'STEM' might lead to hesitation as players deliberate whether they fit better with parts of a plant rather than focusing on fruit, as they can be associated with both categories. This indecision can lead to misgrouping, which is a common pitfall in the Connections game.

To effectively distinguish the real groups from plausible decoys, players should focus on defining characteristics specific to each category. For example, 'FACTORY,' 'MILL,' 'PLANT,' and 'SHOP' all relate directly to manufacturing locations, whereas the other groups have clear differentiators based on their unique contexts—like boxing or parts of fruit. When encountering words that fit multiple categories, it’s crucial to consider their primary associations and the context in which they are most commonly used, helping to eliminate confusion.

One helpful heuristic for solvers is to look for thematic connections that share a common thread, such as action or purpose, which can clarify ambiguous terms. For instance, recognizing that 'WIN' is a verb that can lead to 'WIND,' 'WINE,' 'WING,' and 'WINK' emphasizes the idea of achieving something. Another takeaway is to group words by their function or usage rather than surface similarities; this can help prevent misclassification and streamline the grouping process in future puzzles.