In this puzzle, solvers often find themselves stuck on identifying the categories clearly, especially when the words can seem ambiguous or overlap in meaning. For instance, the terms 'MOM' and 'BOYFRIEND' can confuse players as they think about their relevance to different categories, potentially leading them to misgroup these words. Additionally, the word 'COLLINS' might trip up solvers as they might not immediately associate it with the category of glassware, thinking instead about other contexts in which they have encountered the term.

To successfully distinguish the real groups from plausible decoys, players should focus on the defining characteristics of each category. For example, understanding that all the words in the yellow group specifically refer to types of jeans helps eliminate any confusion with other clothing types. Similarly, recognizing that the blue group consists of titles from Hemingway's works can help players quickly categorize those words without second-guessing their choices. It’s crucial to keep in mind the specificity of each category and not let similar-sounding terms lead to misclassifications.

One helpful heuristic for future puzzles is to always start by identifying the most distinct or unique words in the list. In this case, 'OLD MAN' stands out as a title from Hemingway, while 'HISTORICAL' is a clear descriptor of a fiction category. Another useful strategy is to group words based on shared themes or characteristics before confirming their final placements, allowing for a more systematic approach to the puzzle.