In this puzzle, solvers often struggle with the purple category, "ANIMALS BACKWARD." The words listed—DRIB, FLOW, REED, and TANG—might not immediately resonate as animal names, leading to confusion. For instance, DRIB sounds like it could relate to a verb or a name, while FLOW and REED might evoke images of plants rather than animals. This can cause players to mistakenly categorize these words with the other groups, particularly the green words that deal with storage. Another common pitfall occurs with the blue category, "PERIOD," where words like AGE and ERA may seem interchangeable, but players might hesitate to fully commit without confirming their associations with time. This uncertainty can lead to misgrouping and wasted time second-guessing their logic.

To distinguish the real groups from plausible decoys, it's essential to focus on the defining characteristics of each word. For the yellow category, for example, all four words are related to upward movement, which can help solidify their grouping. Similarly, the green words all represent secure storage options, so recognizing that they all serve a similar purpose can help clarify their connections. When faced with words that seem to fit multiple categories, solvers should assess the dominant theme of each word and how it aligns with the overall category descriptions. This analytical approach can prevent confusion and ensure more accurate groupings.

A useful heuristic for future puzzles is to categorize words based on their primary function or characteristic. For example, when faced with ambiguous words, ask yourself what the core concept of the category is and how each word relates to that concept. Additionally, it can be helpful to look for a commonality in the structure or form of the words. If you notice that several words share a similar grammatical pattern or thematic element, that can often point to the correct grouping. By employing these strategies, players can enhance their ability to identify the correct categories and improve their overall performance in future puzzles.