In this puzzle, solvers often get stuck when trying to differentiate between the categories that may seem similar or overlap in context. For instance, the terms 'JUMBOTRON' and 'SCOREBOARD' might lead players to mistakenly group them with unrelated items like 'FUJIFILM' or 'POLAROID' due to their visual or display associations. Similarly, the presence of 'PARMESAN' could confuse some players who might think it relates to the sports theme, given that food is often served at stadiums. This confusion arises from the tendency to associate words based on superficial connections rather than deeper categorical meanings.

To effectively distinguish between the real groups and plausible decoys, solvers should focus on the defining characteristics of each word. For example, in the sports stadium category, all terms relate specifically to structures or features found in that environment, which can be a strong clue. In contrast, the camera brands are identifiable by their common purpose and industry context. Recognizing these distinct characteristics can help avoid the trap of grouping words that share only a vague thematic connection.

One useful heuristic for solvers is to categorize words based on their primary function or commonality first, rather than their associations. For instance, if you encounter a word that fits a specific industry, such as photography, it is more likely to belong to the camera brands category. Another takeaway is to look out for words that seem out of place within a category. If a word doesn't fit the established pattern of the other items in a group, it may indicate a different category entirely. This approach can streamline the process and reduce the likelihood of misclassification.