Puzzle 8304/6 correct (67%) · $0.0872
830 → WIP
HOW TO PLAY
1. Guess 4 related words that belong to the same category.
2. You'll be told "CORRECT", "INCORRECT", "INCORRECT - ONE AWAY" or "INVALID_RESPONSE" with details.
3. If a word has been correctly guessed, it shall not be used again.
4. You have at most 6 total guesses (4 incorrect answers allowed).
5. Once you have guessed 4 correct distinct sets, the puzzle is solved.
SCORING
You are scored on three criteria, in priority order:
1. Solve rate: Did you complete the puzzle? This is all that matters for correctness.
2. Cost: Every token you generate costs money. Cheaper solves are better.
3. Speed: Faster solves are better, but this is secondary to cost.
Incorrect guesses give you free information - use them to narrow the solution space. You are only penalized for incorrect guesses if you fail the puzzle.
With 4 incorrect guesses available, guess quickly early on. Save deeper analysis for when you have 1-2 incorrect guesses remaining.
RESPONSE FORMAT:
Provide your response in this exact structure:
<thinking>
[Your reasoning]
</thinking>
<guess>
[EXACTLY four words, ALL CAPS, comma-separated]
</guess>
<confidence>
[A number between 0.0 and 1.0 indicating your confidence in this guess]
</confidence>
Available words: PREPARE, ABLE, READY, OUTFIT, DOWN, PARAMOUNT, GAME, NOAA, EAGER, NASA, WILLING, N.F.L., SUBARU, CANE, EAVE, EQUIP
prompt: 486
Show thinking
Synonyms for "willing" (or "up for it"): ABLE (as in ready/willing/able), EAGER, GAME (as in "I'm game"), WILLING. This is a common Connections grouping. Other strong cluster is EQUIP/OUTFIT/PREPARE/READY (verbs meaning "to get set"). Will test this first.
<guess>
ABLE, EAGER, GAME, WILLING
</guess>
<confidence>
0.65
</confidence>
completion: 3,079 · cost: $0.019331
INCORRECT - ONE AWAY. 3 INCORRECT GUESSES REMAINING.
prompt: 618
Show thinking
ONE AWAY on ABLE/EAGER/GAME/WILLING means exactly 3 belong to one category. "Eager/game/willing" are strong synonyms for "keen/enthusiastic." READY fits perfectly as the fourth ("I'm ready"), while ABLE is the common impostor (even though "ready, willing, and able" exists, GAME pairs far better with EAGER/WILLING/READY). This is a higher-probability category than forcing ABLE in. Guessing the clean set now to confirm.
<guess>
EAGER, GAME, READY, WILLING
</guess>
<confidence>
0.75
</confidence>
completion: 2,477 · cost: $0.015407
INCORRECT - ONE AWAY. 2 INCORRECT GUESSES REMAINING.
prompt: 784
Show thinking
Previous "ONE AWAY" results on both (ABLE/EAGER/GAME/WILLING) and (EAGER/GAME/READY/WILLING) strongly indicate that EAGER/GAME/WILLING form the core of one category. The logical fourth word that fits is DOWN ("I'm down", "I'm game", "I'm eager", "I'm willing"). This explains both guesses being exactly one away.
Remaining words: PREPARE, ABLE, READY, OUTFIT, PARAMOUNT, NOAA, NASA, N.F.L., SUBARU, CANE, EAVE, EQUIP.
Strong second category: EQUIP, OUTFIT, PREPARE, READY (all verbs meaning "to get set" or supply). This is a classic Connections group. READY was the outlier in the prior guess, which aligns perfectly. Submitting this next with 2 mistakes left.
<guess>
EQUIP, OUTFIT, PREPARE, READY
</guess>
<confidence>
0.8
</confidence>
completion: 2,217 · cost: $0.014179
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 1,010
Show thinking
Previous "one away" results on two different 4-word sets both containing EAGER/GAME/WILLING indicate these three belong together. The consistent missing word that completes the "enthusiastic/willing to participate" category is DOWN ("I'm down" = "I'm game" = "I'm eager" = "I'm willing"). This explains both prior near-misses (ABLE and READY were the respective impostors).
The first correct group (EQUIP/OUTFIT/PREPARE/READY) has been removed. This is the clear next category to submit.
<guess>
DOWN, EAGER, GAME, WILLING
</guess>
<confidence>
0.85
</confidence>
completion: 999 · cost: $0.006632
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 1,170
Show thinking
Two groups confirmed: EQUIP/OUTFIT/PREPARE/READY (prepare/outfit) and DOWN/EAGER/GAME/WILLING (I'm in/keen).
Remaining: ABLE, PARAMOUNT, NOAA, NASA, N.F.L., SUBARU, CANE, EAVE.
Strong category: homophones of biblical names - ABLE (Abel), CANE (Cain), EAVE (Eve), NOAA (Noah). This is a classic Connections pattern. The final four (PARAMOUNT/NASA/N.F.L./SUBARU) then fit as entities with famously nicknamed logos (mountain/meatball/shield/stars). Submitting the biblical group now.
<guess>
ABLE, CANE, EAVE, NOAA
</guess>
<confidence>
0.85
</confidence>
completion: 4,462 · cost: $0.027384
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 1,355
Show thinking
Three groups confirmed correct: EQUIP/OUTFIT/PREPARE/READY (verbs to supply/gear up), DOWN/EAGER/GAME/WILLING (synonyms for "I'm in"), and ABLE/CANE/EAVE/NOAA (homophones of biblical names: Abel/Cain/Eve/Noah). The four remaining words are PARAMOUNT, NASA, N.F.L., SUBARU. These share the category of companies/brands with famously nicknamed logos: Paramount (the mountain), NASA (the "meatball"), N.F.L. (the shield), Subaru (the stars/Pleiades). This is the final group.
<guess>
PARAMOUNT, NASA, N.F.L., SUBARU
</guess>
<confidence>
0.95
</confidence>
completion: 605 · cost: $0.004266
830 → SOLVED
prompt: 5,423 · completion: 13,839 · guesses: 6 · correct: 4 · time: 01:16 · cost: $0.0872
Puzzle 8144/4 correct (100%) · $0.0881
814 → WIP
HOW TO PLAY
1. Guess 4 related words that belong to the same category.
2. You'll be told "CORRECT", "INCORRECT", "INCORRECT - ONE AWAY" or "INVALID_RESPONSE" with details.
3. If a word has been correctly guessed, it shall not be used again.
4. You have at most 6 total guesses (4 incorrect answers allowed).
5. Once you have guessed 4 correct distinct sets, the puzzle is solved.
SCORING
You are scored on three criteria, in priority order:
1. Solve rate: Did you complete the puzzle? This is all that matters for correctness.
2. Cost: Every token you generate costs money. Cheaper solves are better.
3. Speed: Faster solves are better, but this is secondary to cost.
Incorrect guesses give you free information - use them to narrow the solution space. You are only penalized for incorrect guesses if you fail the puzzle.
With 4 incorrect guesses available, guess quickly early on. Save deeper analysis for when you have 1-2 incorrect guesses remaining.
RESPONSE FORMAT:
Provide your response in this exact structure:
<thinking>
[Your reasoning]
</thinking>
<guess>
[EXACTLY four words, ALL CAPS, comma-separated]
</guess>
<confidence>
[A number between 0.0 and 1.0 indicating your confidence in this guess]
</confidence>
Available words: CHRISTMAS, HOUSE, STIRRING, PROFANITY, MESH SHIRT, EARRING, SWEARING, PLEATHER VEST, NECKLACE, MYSTERY, EXPLETIVES, MOUSE, HISTAMINE, OUROBOROS, FOUR-LETTER WORDS, HERRING
prompt: 507
Show thinking
The line from the famous Christmas poem "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" (A Visit from St. Nicholas) is: "'Twas the night before CHRISTMAS, when all through the HOUSE, Not a creature was STIRRING, not even a MOUSE." This matches perfectly as a classic Connections category (words from a well-known poem/saying). The profanity category also looks strong (PROFANITY, SWEARING, EXPLETIVES, FOUR-LETTER WORDS), leaving the rest for two more groups (likely jewelry + clothing like EARRING/NECKLACE/MESH SHIRT/PLEATHER VEST, and then the unusual quartet HISTAMINE/HERRING/MYSTERY/OUROBOROS). Starting with the clearest match to gather info.
<guess>
CHRISTMAS, HOUSE, MOUSE, STIRRING
</guess>
<confidence>
0.75
</confidence>
completion: 5,831 · cost: $0.035309
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 713
Show thinking
The first category (poem/saying) was correct. Among remaining words, the profanity theme is extremely clear and likely one of the categories: PROFANITY, SWEARING, EXPLETIVES, and FOUR-LETTER WORDS all directly relate to cursing or bad language. This is a high-confidence guess to make early while mistakes are still available. The leftovers will reveal the final two categories (likely involving jewelry/clothing and the more obscure words like HISTAMINE/HERRING/MYSTERY/OUROBOROS).
<guess>
PROFANITY, SWEARING, EXPLETIVES, FOUR-LETTER WORDS
</guess>
<confidence>
0.9
</confidence>
completion: 640 · cost: $0.004575
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 873
Show thinking
Two categories solved: poem quote (CHRISTMAS/HOUSE/STIRRING/MOUSE) and synonyms for cursing (PROFANITY/SWEARING/EXPLETIVES/FOUR-LETTER WORDS).
Remaining: MESH SHIRT, EARRING, PLEATHER VEST, NECKLACE, MYSTERY, HISTAMINE, OUROBOROS, HERRING.
The four wearable items form a clear "alternative/goth/punk fashion" group: MESH SHIRT and PLEATHER VEST are signature unconventional garments, while EARRING and NECKLACE complete the look (common in emo or clubkid aesthetics). This is a typical NYT Connections "outfit" or "attire" category. The final quartet (MYSTERY/HISTAMINE/OUROBOROS/HERRING) would then be the leftover theme, possibly "red ____" (red herring) plus oblique links like histamine reaction, ouroboros cycle, or mystery trope. Guessing the stronger visible group now while mistakes are still plentiful.
<guess>
MESH SHIRT, EARRING, PLEATHER VEST, NECKLACE
</guess>
<confidence>
0.55
</confidence>
completion: 5,439 · cost: $0.033113
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 1,146
Show thinking
Three categories confirmed correct so far:
• CHRISTMAS HOUSE STIRRING MOUSE (from "'Twas the night before Christmas...")
• PROFANITY SWEARING EXPLETIVES FOUR-LETTER WORDS (synonyms for cursing)
• MESH SHIRT EARRING PLEATHER VEST NECKLACE (alternative/goth fashion items)
Only four words remain. By process of elimination they must form the last valid category, whatever the connecting theme is (possibly "red ___" variants or self-referential symbols: red herring, histamine reaction, ouroboros cycle, mystery trope). No need for further speculation; submitting them solves the puzzle.
<guess>
HISTAMINE, HERRING, MYSTERY, OUROBOROS
</guess>
<confidence>
1.0
</confidence>
completion: 2,388 · cost: $0.015122
814 → SOLVED
prompt: 3,239 · completion: 14,298 · guesses: 4 · correct: 4 · time: 00:52 · cost: $0.0881
Puzzle 8424/4 correct (100%) · $0.0846
842 → WIP
HOW TO PLAY
1. Guess 4 related words that belong to the same category.
2. You'll be told "CORRECT", "INCORRECT", "INCORRECT - ONE AWAY" or "INVALID_RESPONSE" with details.
3. If a word has been correctly guessed, it shall not be used again.
4. You have at most 6 total guesses (4 incorrect answers allowed).
5. Once you have guessed 4 correct distinct sets, the puzzle is solved.
SCORING
You are scored on three criteria, in priority order:
1. Solve rate: Did you complete the puzzle? This is all that matters for correctness.
2. Cost: Every token you generate costs money. Cheaper solves are better.
3. Speed: Faster solves are better, but this is secondary to cost.
Incorrect guesses give you free information - use them to narrow the solution space. You are only penalized for incorrect guesses if you fail the puzzle.
With 4 incorrect guesses available, guess quickly early on. Save deeper analysis for when you have 1-2 incorrect guesses remaining.
RESPONSE FORMAT:
Provide your response in this exact structure:
<thinking>
[Your reasoning]
</thinking>
<guess>
[EXACTLY four words, ALL CAPS, comma-separated]
</guess>
<confidence>
[A number between 0.0 and 1.0 indicating your confidence in this guess]
</confidence>
Available words: COULD, AWKWARD, STIFF, FOGHORN, CHUCK, GUTHRIE, WOOD, WOODEN, WOODSTOCK, WOODY, CREATE, WOODCHUCK, STILTED, CLASSICS, SCROOGE, THEREFORE
prompt: 496
Show thinking
The famous tongue twister is "How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?" The key words from this phrase that appear in the list are COULD, CHUCK, WOOD, and WOODCHUCK. This is a strong thematic match for a Connections group (words from a well-known tongue twister). Other promising clusters like synonyms for "unnatural/rigid" (AWKWARD/STIFF/STILTED/WOODEN) and cartoon birds (FOGHORN/SCROOGE/WOODY/WOODSTOCK for Foghorn Leghorn, Scrooge McDuck, Woody Woodpecker, and the Peanuts character) exist but will be tested after this guess. The remaining four (CREATE/CLASSICS/GUTHRIE/THEREFORE) do not have an obvious link yet.
<guess>
COULD, CHUCK, WOOD, WOODCHUCK
</guess>
<confidence>
0.75
</confidence>
completion: 7,201 · cost: $0.044083
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 716
Show thinking
The first group (COULD, CHUCK, WOOD, WOODCHUCK) was correctly identified as the tongue-twister set. Strong remaining cluster: AWKWARD, STIFF, STILTED, WOODEN — all synonyms for "unnatural," "forced," or "clunky" (especially describing speech, acting, or writing). This is a classic Connections category. The cartoon-bird characters (FOGHORN Leghorn, WOODY Woodpecker, WOODSTOCK, SCROOGE McDuck) form another likely group, which should leave CREATE, CLASSICS, GUTHRIE, THEREFORE for the final set.
<guess>
AWKWARD, STIFF, STILTED, WOODEN
</guess>
<confidence>
0.85
</confidence>
completion: 1,336 · cost: $0.008757
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 898
Show thinking
Two groups confirmed: tongue-twister words and synonyms for awkward/rigid. Remaining: FOGHORN, GUTHRIE, WOODSTOCK, WOODY, CREATE, CLASSICS, SCROOGE, THEREFORE. Strong next cluster is famous cartoon birds/characters: FOGHORN (Leghorn), WOODY (Woodpecker), WOODSTOCK (Peanuts bird), SCROOGE (McDuck). This is a standard Connections category ("cartoon birds"). The leftover four (CREATE, CLASSICS, GUTHRIE, THEREFORE) can be solved on the final round if this succeeds. Zero mistakes so far, so this is a low-risk high-reward guess.
<guess>
FOGHORN, SCROOGE, WOODY, WOODSTOCK
</guess>
<confidence>
0.7
</confidence>
completion: 1,475 · cost: $0.009379
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 1,095
Show thinking
Three groups successfully identified with zero mistakes so far: tongue-twister components, synonyms for awkward/stiff, and cartoon birds. Only four words remain, which by definition must constitute the final valid category. No need for further elimination or risk of an incorrect guess. The last set is therefore CREATE, CLASSICS, GUTHRIE, THEREFORE (likely "Woody ___" references such as Woody Guthrie plus related cultural terms, but the exact label is unnecessary at this stage).
<guess>
CLASSICS, CREATE, GUTHRIE, THEREFORE
</guess>
<confidence>
1.0
</confidence>
completion: 3,627 · cost: $0.022339
842 → SOLVED
prompt: 3,205 · completion: 13,639 · guesses: 4 · correct: 4 · time: 00:41 · cost: $0.0846
Puzzle 8334/4 correct (100%) · $0.0653
833 → WIP
HOW TO PLAY
1. Guess 4 related words that belong to the same category.
2. You'll be told "CORRECT", "INCORRECT", "INCORRECT - ONE AWAY" or "INVALID_RESPONSE" with details.
3. If a word has been correctly guessed, it shall not be used again.
4. You have at most 6 total guesses (4 incorrect answers allowed).
5. Once you have guessed 4 correct distinct sets, the puzzle is solved.
SCORING
You are scored on three criteria, in priority order:
1. Solve rate: Did you complete the puzzle? This is all that matters for correctness.
2. Cost: Every token you generate costs money. Cheaper solves are better.
3. Speed: Faster solves are better, but this is secondary to cost.
Incorrect guesses give you free information - use them to narrow the solution space. You are only penalized for incorrect guesses if you fail the puzzle.
With 4 incorrect guesses available, guess quickly early on. Save deeper analysis for when you have 1-2 incorrect guesses remaining.
RESPONSE FORMAT:
Provide your response in this exact structure:
<thinking>
[Your reasoning]
</thinking>
<guess>
[EXACTLY four words, ALL CAPS, comma-separated]
</guess>
<confidence>
[A number between 0.0 and 1.0 indicating your confidence in this guess]
</confidence>
Available words: TABLE, LOAF, BOOTH, SCROLL, VEG, LOUNGE, QUASH, EEK, CHILL, ALE, SWIPE, TAP, COUNTER, HIVE, PINCH, BAR
prompt: 483
Show thinking
Strongest category first: touchscreen/phone gestures are a classic NYT Connections group. PINCH (to zoom), SCROLL, SWIPE, and TAP clearly fit together. This uses up none of the words that could overlap with other plausible groups like "relax" (CHILL/LOAF/LOUNGE/VEG) or "restaurant seating" (BAR/BOOTH/COUNTER/TABLE). The remaining words (ALE/EEK/HIVE/QUASH) will be easier to cluster after confirming this. Early guess to gather info while mistakes are cheap.
<guess>
PINCH, SCROLL, SWIPE, TAP
</guess>
<confidence>
0.75
</confidence>
completion: 6,093 · cost: $0.037409
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 640
Show thinking
The gestures group (PINCH, SCROLL, SWIPE, TAP) was confirmed correct. Among remaining words, two extremely strong categories appear: ways to relax (CHILL, LOUNGE, LOAF, VEG — "chill out", "lounge", "loaf around", "veg out") and restaurant seating/surfaces (BAR, BOOTH, COUNTER, TABLE). Both use distinct words with no overlap to the solved group. These are classic Connections clusters, so one should be correct. Guessing the relax category first as it feels slightly tighter; the seating one will follow naturally if successful.
<guess>
CHILL, LOAF, LOUNGE, VEG
</guess>
<confidence>
0.8
</confidence>
completion: 1,630 · cost: $0.010369
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 810
Show thinking
Two groups confirmed: gestures (PINCH/SCROLL/SWIPE/TAP) and ways to relax (CHILL/LOAF/LOUNGE/VEG). Remaining words: ALE, BAR, BOOTH, COUNTER, EEK, HIVE, QUASH, TABLE. The category "restaurant seating" or "dining spots" is extremely strong here: BAR, BOOTH, COUNTER, TABLE. This is a classic NYT Connections group with no overlap or better alternatives among the leftovers. The final four (ALE/EEK/HIVE/QUASH) will form the last category by process of elimination.
<guess>
BAR, BOOTH, COUNTER, TABLE
</guess>
<confidence>
0.85
</confidence>
completion: 964 · cost: $0.006252
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 981
Show thinking
Three groups confirmed correct: gestures (PINCH/SCROLL/SWIPE/TAP), relaxing (CHILL/LOAF/LOUNGE/VEG), and restaurant seating (BAR/BOOTH/COUNTER/TABLE). Only four words remain: ALE, EEK, HIVE, QUASH. By process of elimination this must be the final category. No need to over-analyze the precise theme at this stage since the puzzle is solved once these are submitted.
<guess>
ALE, EEK, HIVE, QUASH
</guess>
<confidence>
0.95
</confidence>
completion: 1,789 · cost: $0.011314
833 → SOLVED
prompt: 2,914 · completion: 10,476 · guesses: 4 · correct: 4 · time: 00:30 · cost: $0.0653
Puzzle 8184/4 correct (100%) · $0.0418
818 → WIP
HOW TO PLAY
1. Guess 4 related words that belong to the same category.
2. You'll be told "CORRECT", "INCORRECT", "INCORRECT - ONE AWAY" or "INVALID_RESPONSE" with details.
3. If a word has been correctly guessed, it shall not be used again.
4. You have at most 6 total guesses (4 incorrect answers allowed).
5. Once you have guessed 4 correct distinct sets, the puzzle is solved.
SCORING
You are scored on three criteria, in priority order:
1. Solve rate: Did you complete the puzzle? This is all that matters for correctness.
2. Cost: Every token you generate costs money. Cheaper solves are better.
3. Speed: Faster solves are better, but this is secondary to cost.
Incorrect guesses give you free information - use them to narrow the solution space. You are only penalized for incorrect guesses if you fail the puzzle.
With 4 incorrect guesses available, guess quickly early on. Save deeper analysis for when you have 1-2 incorrect guesses remaining.
RESPONSE FORMAT:
Provide your response in this exact structure:
<thinking>
[Your reasoning]
</thinking>
<guess>
[EXACTLY four words, ALL CAPS, comma-separated]
</guess>
<confidence>
[A number between 0.0 and 1.0 indicating your confidence in this guess]
</confidence>
Available words: AMERICANA, CALL, SPECTER, SPLIT, SHADE, JAZZ, BROKE, WIGHT, READ, FORECAST, CHORAL, DIVINE, SPIRIT, RAP, BURST, BLEW
prompt: 488
Show thinking
Possible categories emerging clearly from the words. Strongest first group: SHADE, SPECTER, SPIRIT, WIGHT (all terms for a ghost or supernatural entity; shade and wight are archaic/literary usages, specter and spirit are direct synonyms).
Complements well with other potential sets: CALL, DIVINE, FORECAST, READ (all verbs for predicting or foretelling); AMERICANA, CHORAL, JAZZ, RAP (music genres/styles); BLEW, BROKE, BURST, SPLIT (verbs for suddenly coming apart or exploding). These cover all 16 words without overlap. Starting with the highest-confidence group (ghost terms).
<guess>
SHADE, SPECTER, SPIRIT, WIGHT
</guess>
<confidence>
0.75
</confidence>
completion: 3,089 · cost: $0.019395
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 674
Show thinking
First group confirmed as ghost synonyms (SHADE/SPECTER/SPIRIT/WIGHT).
Strong next category: CALL, DIVINE, FORECAST, READ - all verbs for predicting/telling the future (call an election, divine the answer, forecast weather, read the tea leaves/palm).
This leaves AMERICANA, JAZZ, RAP, CHORAL (music genres/styles) and BROKE, BLEW, BURST, SPLIT (violent "explosion" verbs or slang for suddenly leaving) as the remaining two groups.
<guess>
CALL, DIVINE, FORECAST, READ
</guess>
<confidence>
0.7
</confidence>
completion: 1,656 · cost: $0.010593
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 832
Show thinking
Confirmed groups so far: ghosts (SHADE/SPECTER/SPIRIT/WIGHT) and predict (CALL/DIVINE/FORECAST/READ).
Remaining: AMERICANA, JAZZ, RAP, CHORAL, BROKE, BURST, BLEW, SPLIT.
AMERICANA, CHORAL, JAZZ, RAP are all music genres/styles (Americana/folk, choral, jazz, rap/hip-hop). This is a very standard Connections category. The last four (BROKE, BURST, BLEW, SPLIT) then fit as verbs for suddenly departing or exploding (split, blew out of there, burst through, broke for the exit).
<guess>
AMERICANA, CHORAL, JAZZ, RAP
</guess>
<confidence>
0.8
</confidence>
completion: 870 · cost: $0.005732
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 1,025
Show thinking
Three groups solved: GHOSTS (SHADE, SPECTER, SPIRIT, WIGHT), PREDICT (CALL, DIVINE, FORECAST, READ), MUSIC GENRES (AMERICANA, CHORAL, JAZZ, RAP). Only four words remain: BROKE, BURST, BLEW, SPLIT. These must form the final category (likely "suddenly came apart/exploded" or "left in a hurry" in slang). No other words available, so this is the last set.
<guess>
BROKE, BURST, BLEW, SPLIT
</guess>
<confidence>
0.95
</confidence>
completion: 916 · cost: $0.006048
818 → SOLVED
prompt: 3,019 · completion: 6,531 · guesses: 4 · correct: 4 · time: 00:21 · cost: $0.0418
Puzzle 8174/4 correct (100%) · $0.0354
817 → WIP
HOW TO PLAY
1. Guess 4 related words that belong to the same category.
2. You'll be told "CORRECT", "INCORRECT", "INCORRECT - ONE AWAY" or "INVALID_RESPONSE" with details.
3. If a word has been correctly guessed, it shall not be used again.
4. You have at most 6 total guesses (4 incorrect answers allowed).
5. Once you have guessed 4 correct distinct sets, the puzzle is solved.
SCORING
You are scored on three criteria, in priority order:
1. Solve rate: Did you complete the puzzle? This is all that matters for correctness.
2. Cost: Every token you generate costs money. Cheaper solves are better.
3. Speed: Faster solves are better, but this is secondary to cost.
Incorrect guesses give you free information - use them to narrow the solution space. You are only penalized for incorrect guesses if you fail the puzzle.
With 4 incorrect guesses available, guess quickly early on. Save deeper analysis for when you have 1-2 incorrect guesses remaining.
RESPONSE FORMAT:
Provide your response in this exact structure:
<thinking>
[Your reasoning]
</thinking>
<guess>
[EXACTLY four words, ALL CAPS, comma-separated]
</guess>
<confidence>
[A number between 0.0 and 1.0 indicating your confidence in this guess]
</confidence>
Available words: ZEST, STAG, SOLO, PUNCH, KICK, ZING, TANG, RAM, BILLY, HAN, FREE, BUCK, SINGLE, JACK, SONG, MING
prompt: 484
Show thinking
The words group into clear categories based on common Connections patterns. Chinese dynasties: HAN, MING, SONG, TANG. Male animal names: BILLY (goat), BUCK (deer), JACK (donkey), RAM (sheep). Terms for going out unaccompanied (flying solo, going stag, single, free): FREE, SINGLE, SOLO, STAG. Synonyms for energy/pep/vigor: KICK, PUNCH, ZEST, ZING. Starting with the dynasties set as it's the most unambiguous match with no overlaps.
<guess>
HAN, MING, SONG, TANG
</guess>
<confidence>
0.85
</confidence>
completion: 3,824 · cost: $0.023797
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 650
Show thinking
Remaining: ZEST, STAG, SOLO, PUNCH, KICK, ZING, RAM, BILLY, FREE, BUCK, SINGLE, JACK. Strong second category is male animals: BILLY (goat), BUCK (deer), JACK (donkey), RAM (sheep). This leaves FREE, SINGLE, SOLO, STAG (going alone: solo, stag night, single, free) and KICK, PUNCH, ZEST, ZING (flavor/energy synonyms) for the final two groups. No major overlaps or conflicts.
<guess>
BILLY, BUCK, JACK, RAM
</guess>
<confidence>
0.8
</confidence>
completion: 536 · cost: $0.003825
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 817
Show thinking
Remaining words: ZEST, STAG, SOLO, PUNCH, KICK, ZING, FREE, SINGLE. Two clear categories left. "Solo" synonyms / going without a partner: FREE (free and single), SINGLE, SOLO, STAG (go stag). The other is synonyms for energy/vigor/flavor: KICK, PUNCH, ZEST, ZING. Guessing the "going alone" group first as the connections feel strongest.
<guess>
FREE, SINGLE, SOLO, STAG
</guess>
<confidence>
0.75
</confidence>
completion: 849 · cost: $0.005576
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 959
Show thinking
Last remaining words: ZEST, PUNCH, KICK, ZING. These form the final category of synonyms for energy, pep, or strong flavor (a kick, a punch, zest, zing). All prior categories have been validated as correct, so this is the definitive last set.
<guess>
KICK, PUNCH, ZEST, ZING
</guess>
<confidence>
0.95
</confidence>
completion: 278 · cost: $0.002204
817 → SOLVED
prompt: 2,910 · completion: 5,487 · guesses: 4 · correct: 4 · time: 00:11 · cost: $0.0354
Puzzle 8274/4 correct (100%) · $0.0336
827 → WIP
HOW TO PLAY
1. Guess 4 related words that belong to the same category.
2. You'll be told "CORRECT", "INCORRECT", "INCORRECT - ONE AWAY" or "INVALID_RESPONSE" with details.
3. If a word has been correctly guessed, it shall not be used again.
4. You have at most 6 total guesses (4 incorrect answers allowed).
5. Once you have guessed 4 correct distinct sets, the puzzle is solved.
SCORING
You are scored on three criteria, in priority order:
1. Solve rate: Did you complete the puzzle? This is all that matters for correctness.
2. Cost: Every token you generate costs money. Cheaper solves are better.
3. Speed: Faster solves are better, but this is secondary to cost.
Incorrect guesses give you free information - use them to narrow the solution space. You are only penalized for incorrect guesses if you fail the puzzle.
With 4 incorrect guesses available, guess quickly early on. Save deeper analysis for when you have 1-2 incorrect guesses remaining.
RESPONSE FORMAT:
Provide your response in this exact structure:
<thinking>
[Your reasoning]
</thinking>
<guess>
[EXACTLY four words, ALL CAPS, comma-separated]
</guess>
<confidence>
[A number between 0.0 and 1.0 indicating your confidence in this guess]
</confidence>
Available words: BANSHEE, TILE, WAILER, CHEMISTRY, WOOD, CONNECTION, FIREWORKS, HEARTBREAKER, LAMINATE, STRAND, SPARK, SHORE, PIP, CARPET, COAST, BANK
prompt: 488
Show thinking
The words strongly suggest four clear categories based on common Connections patterns:
• Flooring types: CARPET, LAMINATE, TILE, WOOD (standard home flooring options).
• Shoreline synonyms: BANK, COAST, SHORE, STRAND (all refer to land bordering water).
• Signs of romantic attraction: CHEMISTRY, CONNECTION, FIREWORKS, SPARK (phrases like "we had chemistry" or "there were sparks").
• Backup groups in band names: BANSHEE (Siouxsie and the Banshees), HEARTBREAKER (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers), PIP (Gladys Knight and the Pips), WAILER (Bob Marley and the Wailers).
These cover all 16 words perfectly without overlap. Starting with the most straightforward group (flooring) to confirm and build from there.
<guess>
CARPET, LAMINATE, TILE, WOOD
</guess>
<confidence>
0.85
</confidence>
completion: 3,888 · cost: $0.023613
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 706
Show thinking
First group (flooring) confirmed correct. Remaining words fit three very strong, non-overlapping categories:
• Water's edge synonyms: BANK, COAST, SHORE, STRAND (riverbank, seacoast, lakeshore, strand = shore/beach).
• Romantic attraction metaphors: CHEMISTRY, CONNECTION, FIREWORKS, SPARK (standard "we had chemistry/sparks/fireworks" phrases).
• Backup singers in famous band names: BANSHEE (Siouxsie and the Banshees), HEARTBREAKER (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers), PIP (Gladys Knight and the Pips), WAILER (Bob Marley and the Wailers).
Shore group is the clearest and least ambiguous, so guessing it next to lock in progress.
<guess>
BANK, COAST, SHORE, STRAND
</guess>
<confidence>
0.9
</confidence>
completion: 525 · cost: $0.003871
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 912
Show thinking
Two groups confirmed: flooring (CARPET/LAMINATE/TILE/WOOD) and shores (BANK/COAST/SHORE/STRAND). The eight remaining words split cleanly into two standard Connections categories with high internal consistency and no overlap:
• Attraction/romance metaphors: CHEMISTRY, CONNECTION, FIREWORKS, SPARK ("we had chemistry", "sparks flew", "fireworks", "a real connection").
• Backup groups in band names: BANSHEE (Siouxsie and the Banshees), HEARTBREAKER (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers), PIP (Gladys Knight and the Pips), WAILER (Bob Marley and the Wailers).
Guessing the attraction group next as it is the most common and least ambiguous of the two.
<guess>
CHEMISTRY, CONNECTION, FIREWORKS, SPARK
</guess>
<confidence>
0.85
</confidence>
completion: 456 · cost: $0.003293
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 1,120
Show thinking
All prior groups confirmed: flooring (CARPET/LAMINATE/TILE/WOOD), shores (BANK/COAST/SHORE/STRAND), and romance metaphors (CHEMISTRY/CONNECTION/FIREWORKS/SPARK). The four remaining words—BANSHEE, HEARTBREAKER, PIP, WAILER—match the classic category of backup acts in famous band names: Siouxsie and the Banshees, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Bob Marley and the Wailers. This is the only grouping that fits and completes the puzzle.
<guess>
BANSHEE, HEARTBREAKER, PIP, WAILER
</guess>
<confidence>
0.95
</confidence>
completion: 358 · cost: $0.002775
827 → SOLVED
prompt: 3,226 · completion: 5,227 · guesses: 4 · correct: 4 · time: 00:08 · cost: $0.0336
Puzzle 2464/4 correct (100%) · $0.0335
246 → WIP
HOW TO PLAY
1. Guess 4 related words that belong to the same category.
2. You'll be told "CORRECT", "INCORRECT", "INCORRECT - ONE AWAY" or "INVALID_RESPONSE" with details.
3. If a word has been correctly guessed, it shall not be used again.
4. You have at most 6 total guesses (4 incorrect answers allowed).
5. Once you have guessed 4 correct distinct sets, the puzzle is solved.
SCORING
You are scored on three criteria, in priority order:
1. Solve rate: Did you complete the puzzle? This is all that matters for correctness.
2. Cost: Every token you generate costs money. Cheaper solves are better.
3. Speed: Faster solves are better, but this is secondary to cost.
Incorrect guesses give you free information - use them to narrow the solution space. You are only penalized for incorrect guesses if you fail the puzzle.
With 4 incorrect guesses available, guess quickly early on. Save deeper analysis for when you have 1-2 incorrect guesses remaining.
RESPONSE FORMAT:
Provide your response in this exact structure:
<thinking>
[Your reasoning]
</thinking>
<guess>
[EXACTLY four words, ALL CAPS, comma-separated]
</guess>
<confidence>
[A number between 0.0 and 1.0 indicating your confidence in this guess]
</confidence>
Available words: MONKEY, DROP, PRINCESS, SAMURAI, FREEZE, LAG, PARROT, PRISONER, CANDLES, GENIE, SAILOR, MIME, APOLLO, ECHO, REFEREE, FANTASTIC
prompt: 492
Show thinking
Obvious categories jump out: MIME/PRISONER/REFEREE/SAILOR all wear striped outfits (classic Connections group). DROP/ECHO/FREEZE/LAG are common video-call or streaming glitches. GENIE/MONKEY/PARROT/PRINCESS are key Aladdin characters (Abu, Iago, Jasmine, Genie). Last set APOLLO/CANDLES/FANTASTIC/SAMURAI match films with numbers in titles (Apollo 13, Sixteen Candles, Fantastic Four, Seven Samurai). Starting with stripes group as it's the most standard and least speculative.
<guess>
MIME, PRISONER, REFEREE, SAILOR
</guess>
<confidence>
0.75
</confidence>
completion: 3,884 · cost: $0.024173
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 660
Show thinking
Strong next category: DROP/ECHO/FREEZE/LAG are classic video call / streaming connection problems (audio echo, video freeze, input lag, call drop). Fits remaining words cleanly and pairs with the already-solved "striped outfit" group. High confidence this is intended.
<guess>
DROP, ECHO, FREEZE, LAG
</guess>
<confidence>
0.85
</confidence>
completion: 390 · cost: $0.003545
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 764
Show thinking
Remaining words: MONKEY, PRINCESS, SAMURAI, PARROT, CANDLES, GENIE, APOLLO, FANTASTIC. Clear Aladdin characters: GENIE, MONKEY (Abu), PARROT (Iago), PRINCESS (Jasmine). The last four are movies with numbers in titles (Apollo 13, Sixteen Candles, Fantastic Four, Seven Samurai). Guessing the Aladdin set next.
<guess>
GENIE, MONKEY, PARROT, PRINCESS
</guess>
<confidence>
0.9
</confidence>
completion: 515 · cost: $0.003466
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 904
Show thinking
Last four words: SAMURAI, CANDLES, APOLLO, FANTASTIC. These match the classic "movies with numbers in the title" category (Seven Samurai, Sixteen Candles, Apollo 13, Fantastic Four). All prior groups solved cleanly; this is the only remaining set.
<guess>
SAMURAI, CANDLES, APOLLO, FANTASTIC
</guess>
<confidence>
0.95
</confidence>
completion: 301 · cost: $0.002347
246 → SOLVED
prompt: 2,820 · completion: 5,090 · guesses: 4 · correct: 4 · time: 00:08 · cost: $0.0335
Puzzle 8324/4 correct (100%) · $0.0327
832 → WIP
HOW TO PLAY
1. Guess 4 related words that belong to the same category.
2. You'll be told "CORRECT", "INCORRECT", "INCORRECT - ONE AWAY" or "INVALID_RESPONSE" with details.
3. If a word has been correctly guessed, it shall not be used again.
4. You have at most 6 total guesses (4 incorrect answers allowed).
5. Once you have guessed 4 correct distinct sets, the puzzle is solved.
SCORING
You are scored on three criteria, in priority order:
1. Solve rate: Did you complete the puzzle? This is all that matters for correctness.
2. Cost: Every token you generate costs money. Cheaper solves are better.
3. Speed: Faster solves are better, but this is secondary to cost.
Incorrect guesses give you free information - use them to narrow the solution space. You are only penalized for incorrect guesses if you fail the puzzle.
With 4 incorrect guesses available, guess quickly early on. Save deeper analysis for when you have 1-2 incorrect guesses remaining.
RESPONSE FORMAT:
Provide your response in this exact structure:
<thinking>
[Your reasoning]
</thinking>
<guess>
[EXACTLY four words, ALL CAPS, comma-separated]
</guess>
<confidence>
[A number between 0.0 and 1.0 indicating your confidence in this guess]
</confidence>
Available words: RAM, FORD, ROCKET, WING, DUCK, SCRAPER, CHIP, DIVE, SENATOR, STAR, LARK, DODGE, DIP, FLYER, FRY, LINCOLN
prompt: 486
Show thinking
The words suggest clear categories based on common NYT Connections patterns (preceded-by phrases, brands, foods, sports teams). Strong matches:
• Sky___: SKY DIVE, SKY LARK, SKY ROCKET, SKY SCRAPER (DIVE, LARK, ROCKET, SCRAPER)
• Car makes: DODGE, FORD, LINCOLN, RAM
• Party/snack foods: CHIP, DIP, FRY, WING
• NHL teams: DUCK (Ducks), FLYER (Flyers), SENATOR (Senators), STAR (Stars)
These cover all 16 words without overlap. Starting with the "sky" group as it's a classic Connections archetype.
<guess>
DIVE, LARK, ROCKET, SCRAPER
</guess>
<confidence>
0.85
</confidence>
completion: 3,997 · cost: $0.024263
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 681
Show thinking
First group (SKY DIVE, SKY LARK, SKY ROCKET, SKYSCRAPER) confirmed correct. Remaining: RAM, FORD, WING, DUCK, CHIP, SENATOR, STAR, DODGE, DIP, FLYER, FRY, LINCOLN.
Strongest remaining category is American car brands/makes: DODGE, FORD, LINCOLN, RAM. This is a very common Connections group with no overlap. The other plausible groups (NHL teams: DUCK/FLYER/SENATOR/STAR and dip foods: CHIP/DIP/FRY/WING) both fit the leftovers perfectly, so this should be safe to submit next.
<guess>
DODGE, FORD, LINCOLN, RAM
</guess>
<confidence>
0.9
</confidence>
completion: 491 · cost: $0.003617
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 874
Show thinking
Two groups confirmed: SKY___ (DIVE/LARK/ROCKET/SCRAPER) and car makes (DODGE/FORD/LINCOLN/RAM). Remaining: CHIP, DUCK, DIP, FLYER, FRY, SENATOR, STAR, WING.
Clear partitions: NHL hockey teams (DUCK, FLYER, SENATOR, STAR) and things commonly dipped (CHIP, DIP, FRY, WING). Submitting the sports category next.
<guess>
DUCK, FLYER, SENATOR, STAR
</guess>
<confidence>
0.95
</confidence>
completion: 288 · cost: $0.002324
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 1,023
Show thinking
Three groups solved: SKY___ (DIVE/LARK/ROCKET/SCRAPER), car brands (DODGE/FORD/LINCOLN/RAM), and NHL teams (DUCK/FLYER/SENATOR/STAR). The four remaining words (CHIP, DIP, FRY, WING) clearly form the final category of common dipped foods or appetizers served with dips (chips and dip, french fries, chicken wings).
<guess>
CHIP, DIP, FRY, WING
</guess>
<confidence>
0.95
</confidence>
completion: 331 · cost: $0.002534
832 → SOLVED
prompt: 3,064 · completion: 5,107 · guesses: 4 · correct: 4 · time: 00:08 · cost: $0.0327
Puzzle 3044/4 correct (100%) · $0.0300
304 → WIP
HOW TO PLAY
1. Guess 4 related words that belong to the same category.
2. You'll be told "CORRECT", "INCORRECT", "INCORRECT - ONE AWAY" or "INVALID_RESPONSE" with details.
3. If a word has been correctly guessed, it shall not be used again.
4. You have at most 6 total guesses (4 incorrect answers allowed).
5. Once you have guessed 4 correct distinct sets, the puzzle is solved.
SCORING
You are scored on three criteria, in priority order:
1. Solve rate: Did you complete the puzzle? This is all that matters for correctness.
2. Cost: Every token you generate costs money. Cheaper solves are better.
3. Speed: Faster solves are better, but this is secondary to cost.
Incorrect guesses give you free information - use them to narrow the solution space. You are only penalized for incorrect guesses if you fail the puzzle.
With 4 incorrect guesses available, guess quickly early on. Save deeper analysis for when you have 1-2 incorrect guesses remaining.
RESPONSE FORMAT:
Provide your response in this exact structure:
<thinking>
[Your reasoning]
</thinking>
<guess>
[EXACTLY four words, ALL CAPS, comma-separated]
</guess>
<confidence>
[A number between 0.0 and 1.0 indicating your confidence in this guess]
</confidence>
Available words: CHEST, DOGS, FIELD, HEAD, LAWN, BROWN, GREEN, PEA, CHAIR, CHIEF, DIRECTOR, UNCHAINED, FICTION, GROUNDS, HAZEL, COCO
prompt: 486
Show thinking
One clear group is last words of Quentin Tarantino movie titles: Jackie BROWN, Reservoir DOGS, Pulp FICTION, Django UNCHAINED. This is a common Connections category (proper nouns shortened to the distinctive ending word). The remaining words then cleanly split into three other standard categories: boss/leader synonyms (CHAIR, CHIEF, DIRECTOR, HEAD), first halves of common nuts (CHESTnut, COCOanut, HAZELnut, PEAnut), and synonyms for grassy/open areas (FIELD, GREEN, GROUNDS, LAWN). All four groups interlock without conflicts or leftover words. Submitting the Tarantino group first as it's highly distinctive and low-risk.
<guess>
BROWN, DOGS, FICTION, UNCHAINED
</guess>
<confidence>
0.85
</confidence>
completion: 2,902 · cost: $0.018269
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 673
Show thinking
Remaining words: CHEST, FIELD, HEAD, LAWN, GREEN, PEA, CHAIR, CHIEF, DIRECTOR, GROUNDS, HAZEL, COCO. The Tarantino group is removed. Strongest remaining category is nut prefixes: CHESTnut, COCOnut, HAZELnut, PEAnut. This is a very standard Connections theme with no overlaps or weaker alternatives. The other plausible groups (boss synonyms: CHAIR/CHIEF/DIRECTOR/HEAD and grassy areas: FIELD/GREEN/GROUNDS/LAWN) are held for subsequent guesses.
<guess>
CHEST, COCO, HAZEL, PEA
</guess>
<confidence>
0.9
</confidence>
completion: 615 · cost: $0.004345
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 840
Show thinking
Remaining words: FIELD, HEAD, LAWN, GREEN, CHAIR, CHIEF, DIRECTOR, GROUNDS. These split cleanly into two obvious categories with no overlap: boss/leader titles (CHAIR as in chairperson, CHIEF, DIRECTOR, HEAD as in department head) and synonyms for grassy/open spaces (FIELD, GREEN as in village green, GROUNDS, LAWN). Submitting the leadership group first as the words map especially tightly to that theme.
<guess>
CHAIR, CHIEF, DIRECTOR, HEAD
</guess>
<confidence>
0.95
</confidence>
completion: 601 · cost: $0.004134
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 983
Show thinking
Last remaining words: FIELD, GREEN, GROUNDS, LAWN. These form the final category of grassy areas/open spaces (athletic field, village green, grounds as in estate grounds, lawn). All prior groups have been confirmed correct, so this is the only set left and must solve the puzzle.
<guess>
FIELD, GREEN, GROUNDS, LAWN
</guess>
<confidence>
0.98
</confidence>
completion: 471 · cost: $0.003294
304 → SOLVED
prompt: 2,982 · completion: 4,589 · guesses: 4 · correct: 4 · time: 00:22 · cost: $0.0300
Puzzle 8194/4 correct (100%) · $0.0290
819 → WIP
HOW TO PLAY
1. Guess 4 related words that belong to the same category.
2. You'll be told "CORRECT", "INCORRECT", "INCORRECT - ONE AWAY" or "INVALID_RESPONSE" with details.
3. If a word has been correctly guessed, it shall not be used again.
4. You have at most 6 total guesses (4 incorrect answers allowed).
5. Once you have guessed 4 correct distinct sets, the puzzle is solved.
SCORING
You are scored on three criteria, in priority order:
1. Solve rate: Did you complete the puzzle? This is all that matters for correctness.
2. Cost: Every token you generate costs money. Cheaper solves are better.
3. Speed: Faster solves are better, but this is secondary to cost.
Incorrect guesses give you free information - use them to narrow the solution space. You are only penalized for incorrect guesses if you fail the puzzle.
With 4 incorrect guesses available, guess quickly early on. Save deeper analysis for when you have 1-2 incorrect guesses remaining.
RESPONSE FORMAT:
Provide your response in this exact structure:
<thinking>
[Your reasoning]
</thinking>
<guess>
[EXACTLY four words, ALL CAPS, comma-separated]
</guess>
<confidence>
[A number between 0.0 and 1.0 indicating your confidence in this guess]
</confidence>
Available words: ARIEL, ARABESQUE, IMPACT, VOLUMETRIC, ARIAL, AERIAL, GEORGIA, ANGULAR, ROUNDOFF, VERDANA, MERIDA, LINEAR, TIANA, AREAL, AURORA, SPLIT
prompt: 497
Show thinking
The words include clear categories based on common NYT Connections themes like proper names in media. Disney princesses stand out immediately: ARIEL (Little Mermaid), AURORA (Sleeping Beauty), MERIDA (Brave), TIANA (The Princess and the Frog). These form a tight group with no overlaps or better fits elsewhere. Other strong clusters like fonts (ARIAL, GEORGIA, IMPACT, VERDANA) and gymnastics terms (ARABESQUE, AERIAL, ROUNDOFF, SPLIT) exist but will be tested after this. Starting with an obvious high-certainty group to gain confirmed info and narrow options.
<guess>
ARIEL, AURORA, MERIDA, TIANA
</guess>
<confidence>
0.85
</confidence>
completion: 2,026 · cost: $0.012459
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 677
Show thinking
First group (Disney princesses) confirmed correct. Remaining: ARABESQUE, IMPACT, VOLUMETRIC, ARIAL, AERIAL, GEORGIA, ANGULAR, ROUNDOFF, VERDANA, LINEAR, AREAL, SPLIT.
Strong second category: fonts (ARIAL, GEORGIA, IMPACT, VERDANA). Very standard NYT theme with exact matches.
After that, gymnastics/acrobatic terms fit perfectly for ARABESQUE (pose), AERIAL (flip), ROUNDOFF (tumbler's move), SPLIT (routine element). This leaves VOLUMETRIC, ANGULAR, LINEAR, AREAL – which plausibly form "dimensional descriptors" (linear/areal/volumetric measurements, angular for rotation). Testing the gymnastics group next while mistakes remain available.
<guess>
ARABESQUE, AERIAL, ROUNDOFF, SPLIT
</guess>
<confidence>
0.65
</confidence>
completion: 1,617 · cost: $0.010365
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 898
Show thinking
Two categories confirmed: Disney Princesses and gymnastics terms (ARABESQUE, AERIAL, ROUNDOFF, SPLIT).
Remaining: IMPACT, VOLUMETRIC, ARIAL, GEORGIA, ANGULAR, VERDANA, LINEAR, AREAL.
The four classic fonts are unmistakable: ARIAL, GEORGIA, IMPACT, VERDANA. This is one of the most frequent Connections categories and fits perfectly with no stragglers.
The last four (VOLUMETRIC, ANGULAR, LINEAR, AREAL) then form a coherent "dimensional" or measurement-type category (linear/areal/volumetric density, angular measure, etc.). Guessing the fonts now as the highest-certainty play with mistakes still available.
<guess>
ARIAL, GEORGIA, IMPACT, VERDANA
</guess>
<confidence>
0.9
</confidence>
completion: 494 · cost: $0.003608
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 1,103
Show thinking
Three groups confirmed correct (Disney Princesses, gymnastics terms, fonts). Only four words remain: VOLUMETRIC, ANGULAR, LINEAR, AREAL. These must constitute the final category (likely "____ measurement" or dimensional descriptors: linear, areal, angular, volumetric). No alternatives left; this is the solution.
<guess>
VOLUMETRIC, ANGULAR, LINEAR, AREAL
</guess>
<confidence>
1.0
</confidence>
completion: 328 · cost: $0.002561
819 → SOLVED
prompt: 3,175 · completion: 4,465 · guesses: 4 · correct: 4 · time: 00:18 · cost: $0.0290
Puzzle 8394/4 correct (100%) · $0.0279
839 → WIP
HOW TO PLAY
1. Guess 4 related words that belong to the same category.
2. You'll be told "CORRECT", "INCORRECT", "INCORRECT - ONE AWAY" or "INVALID_RESPONSE" with details.
3. If a word has been correctly guessed, it shall not be used again.
4. You have at most 6 total guesses (4 incorrect answers allowed).
5. Once you have guessed 4 correct distinct sets, the puzzle is solved.
SCORING
You are scored on three criteria, in priority order:
1. Solve rate: Did you complete the puzzle? This is all that matters for correctness.
2. Cost: Every token you generate costs money. Cheaper solves are better.
3. Speed: Faster solves are better, but this is secondary to cost.
Incorrect guesses give you free information - use them to narrow the solution space. You are only penalized for incorrect guesses if you fail the puzzle.
With 4 incorrect guesses available, guess quickly early on. Save deeper analysis for when you have 1-2 incorrect guesses remaining.
RESPONSE FORMAT:
Provide your response in this exact structure:
<thinking>
[Your reasoning]
</thinking>
<guess>
[EXACTLY four words, ALL CAPS, comma-separated]
</guess>
<confidence>
[A number between 0.0 and 1.0 indicating your confidence in this guess]
</confidence>
Available words: FIDDLE, MICROWAVE, TENDER, FRITTER, SWEET, TRIFLE, WING, KIND, FLIPPER, POPPER, KETTLE, ARM, FIN, STOVETOP, THROW, WARM
prompt: 491
Show thinking
The words group into clear categories based on common Connections patterns. One solid group is affectionate synonyms: KIND, SWEET, TENDER, WARM (all describe a caring or gentle demeanor/personality). This has high overlap with typical NYT word associations. Other plausible groups (for reference, not guessing yet): ARM, FIN, FLIPPER, WING (animal limbs/extremities); FIDDLE, FRITTER, THROW, TRIFLE (all pair with "away" to mean squander); MICROWAVE, KETTLE, POPPER, STOVETOP (popcorn preparation methods). Starting with the affectionate set as it's the most unambiguous.
<guess>
KIND, SWEET, TENDER, WARM
</guess>
<confidence>
0.75
</confidence>
completion: 2,175 · cost: $0.013917
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 674
Show thinking
With KIND SWEET TENDER WARM removed, remaining words strongly cluster. ARM FIN FLIPPER WING are clearly animal appendages/limbs (octopus arm, fish fin, seal flipper, bird wing). This is a classic Connections category. The other clusters also fit cleanly: MICROWAVE KETTLE POPPER STOVETOP as popcorn-making methods, and FIDDLE FRITTER THROW TRIFLE as words that precede "away" (fritter away, fiddle away, throw away, trifle away). Guessing the limbs next as it's the most unambiguous set.
<guess>
ARM, FIN, FLIPPER, WING
</guess>
<confidence>
0.85
</confidence>
completion: 933 · cost: $0.006255
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 842
Show thinking
Two groups solved. Remaining: FIDDLE, FRITTER, MICROWAVE, POPPER, KETTLE, STOVETOP, THROW, TRIFLE.
Two clear categories left:
• MICROWAVE, KETTLE, POPPER, STOVETOP (methods of making popcorn: microwave popcorn, kettle corn, popcorn popper, stovetop popcorn)
• FIDDLE, FRITTER, THROW, TRIFLE (pair with "away" to mean waste time: fritter away, fiddle away, throw away, trifle away)
Both fits are strong, but popcorn prep is a classic Connections category. Guessing it now.
<guess>
MICROWAVE, KETTLE, POPPER, STOVETOP
</guess>
<confidence>
0.8
</confidence>
completion: 881 · cost: $0.005818
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 1,028
Show thinking
Last four words remaining: FIDDLE, FRITTER, THROW, TRIFLE. These all precede "away" to mean waste/squander time or resources (fiddle away, fritter away, throw away, trifle away). This is a classic NYT Connections "___ away" category and fits perfectly with no words left over.
<guess>
FIDDLE, FRITTER, THROW, TRIFLE
</guess>
<confidence>
0.95
</confidence>
completion: 225 · cost: $0.001908
839 → SOLVED
prompt: 3,035 · completion: 4,214 · guesses: 4 · correct: 4 · time: 00:13 · cost: $0.0279
Puzzle 8364/4 correct (100%) · $0.0234
836 → WIP
HOW TO PLAY
1. Guess 4 related words that belong to the same category.
2. You'll be told "CORRECT", "INCORRECT", "INCORRECT - ONE AWAY" or "INVALID_RESPONSE" with details.
3. If a word has been correctly guessed, it shall not be used again.
4. You have at most 6 total guesses (4 incorrect answers allowed).
5. Once you have guessed 4 correct distinct sets, the puzzle is solved.
SCORING
You are scored on three criteria, in priority order:
1. Solve rate: Did you complete the puzzle? This is all that matters for correctness.
2. Cost: Every token you generate costs money. Cheaper solves are better.
3. Speed: Faster solves are better, but this is secondary to cost.
Incorrect guesses give you free information - use them to narrow the solution space. You are only penalized for incorrect guesses if you fail the puzzle.
With 4 incorrect guesses available, guess quickly early on. Save deeper analysis for when you have 1-2 incorrect guesses remaining.
RESPONSE FORMAT:
Provide your response in this exact structure:
<thinking>
[Your reasoning]
</thinking>
<guess>
[EXACTLY four words, ALL CAPS, comma-separated]
</guess>
<confidence>
[A number between 0.0 and 1.0 indicating your confidence in this guess]
</confidence>
Available words: FILM, TALK, FLICK, SCATTER, PRUNE, TOOTH, FEATURE, LITTER, BRAIN, PEPPER, POTATO, SHAR PEI, PICTURE, CREPE PAPER, SPRINKLE, SIXTEEN
prompt: 493
Show thinking
Strong first category: FILM, FLICK, FEATURE, and PICTURE are all synonyms for "movie" (e.g., feature film, motion picture, flick as slang). This is a classic Connections grouping. Remaining words strongly suggest SWEET TALK, SWEET TOOTH, SWEET POTATO, SWEET SIXTEEN as the next set. Then synonyms for randomly distributing (PEPPER, SCATTER, SPRINKLE, LITTER). Final set appears to be wrinkled items (BRAIN, PRUNE, SHAR PEI, CREPE PAPER - crepe refers to a crinkled texture). Starting with the clearest group.
<guess>
FILM, FLICK, FEATURE, PICTURE
</guess>
<confidence>
0.75
</confidence>
completion: 1,721 · cost: $0.011197
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 673
Show thinking
With movies removed, the next clearest category is the "sweet ___" phrases: SWEET TALK, SWEET TOOTH, SWEET POTATO, SWEET SIXTEEN. These are all very common compound terms. This is a high-confidence guess that should be correct.
<guess>
TALK, TOOTH, POTATO, SIXTEEN
</guess>
<confidence>
0.9
</confidence>
completion: 338 · cost: $0.003259
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 779
Show thinking
Remaining: SCATTER, PRUNE, LITTER, BRAIN, PEPPER, SHAR PEI, CREPE PAPER, SPRINKLE. Two clear sets: 1) Wrinkly things (BRAIN, PRUNE, SHAR PEI, CREPE PAPER) - brain folds, prune skin, Shar Pei breed, crepe texture. 2) Synonyms for distributing randomly (LITTER, PEPPER, SCATTER, SPRINKLE). Trying the more distinctive wrinkly category first.
<guess>
BRAIN, PRUNE, SHAR PEI, CREPE PAPER
</guess>
<confidence>
0.65
</confidence>
completion: 711 · cost: $0.005133
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 932
Show thinking
Last four words: SCATTER, LITTER, PEPPER, SPRINKLE. These are all verbs meaning to distribute or strew things about (scatter seeds, litter trash, pepper with salt/questions, sprinkle sugar). Fits perfectly after the previous three categories (movies, "sweet" phrases, and wrinkly things). High confidence as it's the only remaining set.
<guess>
SCATTER, LITTER, PEPPER, SPRINKLE
</guess>
<confidence>
0.95
</confidence>
completion: 340 · cost: $0.003789
836 → SOLVED
prompt: 2,877 · completion: 3,110 · guesses: 4 · correct: 4 · time: 00:10 · cost: $0.0234
Puzzle 8154/4 correct (100%) · $0.0227
815 → WIP
HOW TO PLAY
1. Guess 4 related words that belong to the same category.
2. You'll be told "CORRECT", "INCORRECT", "INCORRECT - ONE AWAY" or "INVALID_RESPONSE" with details.
3. If a word has been correctly guessed, it shall not be used again.
4. You have at most 6 total guesses (4 incorrect answers allowed).
5. Once you have guessed 4 correct distinct sets, the puzzle is solved.
SCORING
You are scored on three criteria, in priority order:
1. Solve rate: Did you complete the puzzle? This is all that matters for correctness.
2. Cost: Every token you generate costs money. Cheaper solves are better.
3. Speed: Faster solves are better, but this is secondary to cost.
Incorrect guesses give you free information - use them to narrow the solution space. You are only penalized for incorrect guesses if you fail the puzzle.
With 4 incorrect guesses available, guess quickly early on. Save deeper analysis for when you have 1-2 incorrect guesses remaining.
RESPONSE FORMAT:
Provide your response in this exact structure:
<thinking>
[Your reasoning]
</thinking>
<guess>
[EXACTLY four words, ALL CAPS, comma-separated]
</guess>
<confidence>
[A number between 0.0 and 1.0 indicating your confidence in this guess]
</confidence>
Available words: WED, MTV, GENESIS, VHS, DAWN, BIRTH, BOND, COMBINE, DAY, START, FUSE, FLOWER, POLE, FLY, ALF, NES
prompt: 484
Show thinking
Strong category: DAY, FLOWER, FLY, POLE all form "May ___" compounds (May Day, Mayflower, mayfly, maypole). This is a classic Connections grouping, high confidence. Other potential groups noted (join synonyms: BOND/COMBINE/FUSE/WED; beginnings: BIRTH/DAWN/GENESIS/START; 1980s icons: ALF/MTV/NES/VHS) but testing the clearest one first.
<guess>
DAY, FLOWER, FLY, POLE
</guess>
<confidence>
0.85
</confidence>
completion: 2,179 · cost: $0.013351
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 628
Show thinking
Remaining: WED, MTV, GENESIS, VHS, DAWN, BIRTH, BOND, COMBINE, START, FUSE, ALF, NES. Clear next category is beginnings: BIRTH, DAWN, GENESIS, START. Other groups (merge synonyms: BOND/COMBINE/FUSE/WED; 80s icons: ALF/MTV/NES/VHS) are also identifiable but this is the strongest next pick.
<guess>
BIRTH, DAWN, GENESIS, START
</guess>
<confidence>
0.9
</confidence>
completion: 516 · cost: $0.003546
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 770
Show thinking
Remaining words: WED, MTV, VHS, BOND, COMBINE, FUSE, ALF, NES. Clear join/merge category: BOND, COMBINE, FUSE, WED. Last group will be 1980s icons: ALF, MTV, NES, VHS.
<guess>
BOND, COMBINE, FUSE, WED
</guess>
<confidence>
0.9
</confidence>
completion: 501 · cost: $0.003509
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 882
Show thinking
Only four words remain: MTV, VHS, ALF, NES. These clearly form the final category (1980s icons/TV & gaming touchstones: ALF, MTV, NES, VHS). This completes the puzzle.
<guess>
ALF, MTV, NES, VHS
</guess>
<confidence>
0.95
</confidence>
completion: 319 · cost: $0.002296
815 → SOLVED
prompt: 2,764 · completion: 3,515 · guesses: 4 · correct: 4 · time: 00:09 · cost: $0.0227
Puzzle 8284/4 correct (100%) · $0.0209
828 → WIP
HOW TO PLAY
1. Guess 4 related words that belong to the same category.
2. You'll be told "CORRECT", "INCORRECT", "INCORRECT - ONE AWAY" or "INVALID_RESPONSE" with details.
3. If a word has been correctly guessed, it shall not be used again.
4. You have at most 6 total guesses (4 incorrect answers allowed).
5. Once you have guessed 4 correct distinct sets, the puzzle is solved.
SCORING
You are scored on three criteria, in priority order:
1. Solve rate: Did you complete the puzzle? This is all that matters for correctness.
2. Cost: Every token you generate costs money. Cheaper solves are better.
3. Speed: Faster solves are better, but this is secondary to cost.
Incorrect guesses give you free information - use them to narrow the solution space. You are only penalized for incorrect guesses if you fail the puzzle.
With 4 incorrect guesses available, guess quickly early on. Save deeper analysis for when you have 1-2 incorrect guesses remaining.
RESPONSE FORMAT:
Provide your response in this exact structure:
<thinking>
[Your reasoning]
</thinking>
<guess>
[EXACTLY four words, ALL CAPS, comma-separated]
</guess>
<confidence>
[A number between 0.0 and 1.0 indicating your confidence in this guess]
</confidence>
Available words: TRIX, JUROR, ROSE, WHITE, SQUID, TATTOO MACHINE, MONTH, PRINTER, TRACK, MONITOR, DONUT, PEN, VELVETEEN, FOLLOW, WATCH, ROGER
prompt: 487
Show thinking
The words group into clear categories based on common NYT Connections themes. One obvious set is famous rabbits (ROGER from Who Framed Roger Rabbit, TRIX the cereal mascot, WHITE from Alice in Wonderland, VELVETEEN from the children's book). Next are synonyms for observing/following (FOLLOW, MONITOR, TRACK, WATCH). Then ink sources/users (PEN, PRINTER, SQUID for squid ink, TATTOO MACHINE). Finally, things associated with "a dozen" (DONUT, JUROR for a 12-person jury, MONTH for 12 in a year, ROSE for a dozen roses). These cover all 16 words without overlap. Starting with the rabbits category first given its specificity and high likelihood.
<guess>
ROGER, TRIX, VELVETEEN, WHITE
</guess>
<confidence>
0.85
</confidence>
completion: 1,566 · cost: $0.010255
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 687
Show thinking
First category (RABBITS: ROGER, TRIX, VELVETEEN, WHITE) was correct. Remaining words: JUROR, ROSE, SQUID, TATTOO MACHINE, MONTH, PRINTER, TRACK, MONITOR, DONUT, PEN, FOLLOW, WATCH.
Strong remaining categories:
• DOZEN associations: DONUT (dozen donuts), JUROR (12-person jury), MONTH (12 months/year), ROSE (dozen roses). This is a classic NYT "___ of a dozen" or "comes in dozens" theme.
• SURVEILLANCE synonyms: FOLLOW, MONITOR, TRACK, WATCH.
• INK users/sources: PEN, PRINTER, SQUID (squid ink), TATTOO MACHINE.
Guessing the DOZEN set next as it has very strong word associations and low risk of overlap with other categories.
<guess>
DONUT, JUROR, MONTH, ROSE
</guess>
<confidence>
0.8
</confidence>
completion: 539 · cost: $0.004493
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 913
Show thinking
Previous two categories confirmed: Rabbits (ROGER, TRIX, VELVETEEN, WHITE) and Dozen-related (DONUT, JUROR, MONTH, ROSE).
Remaining: SQUID, TATTOO MACHINE, PRINTER, TRACK, MONITOR, PEN, FOLLOW, WATCH.
Clear split into two groups:
• Ink producers/users: PEN (uses ink), PRINTER (ink cartridge), SQUID (squid ink), TATTOO MACHINE (uses ink).
• Observation synonyms: FOLLOW, MONITOR, TRACK, WATCH.
Guessing the ink category next as it has tight thematic cohesion with minimal ambiguity.
<guess>
PEN, PRINTER, SQUID, TATTOO MACHINE
</guess>
<confidence>
0.9
</confidence>
completion: 510 · cost: $0.003734
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 1,091
Show thinking
All prior categories confirmed correct: RABBITS (ROGER/TRIX/VELVETEEN/WHITE), DOZEN (DONUT/JUROR/MONTH/ROSE), INK (PEN/PRINTER/SQUID/TATTOO MACHINE). Only four words remain: TRACK, MONITOR, FOLLOW, WATCH. These are clear synonyms for "to observe" or "to follow/monitor". This is the final category by elimination.
<guess>
FOLLOW, MONITOR, TRACK, WATCH
</guess>
<confidence>
1.0
</confidence>
completion: 310 · cost: $0.002429
828 → SOLVED
prompt: 3,178 · completion: 2,925 · guesses: 4 · correct: 4 · time: 00:09 · cost: $0.0209
Puzzle 8374/4 correct (100%) · $0.0206
837 → WIP
HOW TO PLAY
1. Guess 4 related words that belong to the same category.
2. You'll be told "CORRECT", "INCORRECT", "INCORRECT - ONE AWAY" or "INVALID_RESPONSE" with details.
3. If a word has been correctly guessed, it shall not be used again.
4. You have at most 6 total guesses (4 incorrect answers allowed).
5. Once you have guessed 4 correct distinct sets, the puzzle is solved.
SCORING
You are scored on three criteria, in priority order:
1. Solve rate: Did you complete the puzzle? This is all that matters for correctness.
2. Cost: Every token you generate costs money. Cheaper solves are better.
3. Speed: Faster solves are better, but this is secondary to cost.
Incorrect guesses give you free information - use them to narrow the solution space. You are only penalized for incorrect guesses if you fail the puzzle.
With 4 incorrect guesses available, guess quickly early on. Save deeper analysis for when you have 1-2 incorrect guesses remaining.
RESPONSE FORMAT:
Provide your response in this exact structure:
<thinking>
[Your reasoning]
</thinking>
<guess>
[EXACTLY four words, ALL CAPS, comma-separated]
</guess>
<confidence>
[A number between 0.0 and 1.0 indicating your confidence in this guess]
</confidence>
Available words: THEATER, SPACECRAFT, DEPARTED, BLUE, FICTIONAL BOXER, LEFT, CUP, SHAKE, CONE, SPLIT, LIBERAL, GREEK/ROMAN GOD, GOOD SHEPHERD, PROGRESSIVE, RAINMAKER, MARTIAN
prompt: 500
Show thinking
The words include several that connect strongly to "Apollo": Apollo Theater, Apollo spacecraft, Apollo Creed (fictional boxer), and Apollo (Greek/Roman god). This is a classic NYT Connections "___" category. The remaining words sort cleanly into: ice cream servings (CONE, CUP, SHAKE, SPLIT), politically left-leaning terms (BLUE, LEFT, LIBERAL, PROGRESSIVE), and movies titled "The ___" (DEPARTED, GOOD SHEPHERD, MARTIAN, RAINMAKER). I'll start with the clearest group.
<guess>
THEATER, SPACECRAFT, FICTIONAL BOXER, GREEK/ROMAN GOD
</guess>
<confidence>
0.85
</confidence>
completion: 1,655 · cost: $0.010815
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 672
Show thinking
First category "Apollo ___" confirmed (Theater, Spacecraft, Creed as fictional boxer, Greek/Roman god). Remaining words divide cleanly into three obvious groups: ice cream orders (CONE, CUP, SHAKE, SPLIT), left-leaning political terms (BLUE, LEFT, LIBERAL, PROGRESSIVE), and films with "The" in the title (DEPARTED, GOOD SHEPHERD, MARTIAN, RAINMAKER). Guessing the ice cream group next as it has the highest internal consistency.
<guess>
CONE, CUP, SHAKE, SPLIT
</guess>
<confidence>
0.9
</confidence>
completion: 505 · cost: $0.003568
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 826
Show thinking
Two categories confirmed. Remaining words split cleanly into: political left synonyms (BLUE, LEFT, LIBERAL, PROGRESSIVE) and movies with "The" in the title (DEPARTED, GOOD SHEPHERD, MARTIAN, RAINMAKER). Guessing the political group now.
<guess>
BLUE, LEFT, LIBERAL, PROGRESSIVE
</guess>
<confidence>
0.85
</confidence>
completion: 389 · cost: $0.003871
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 931
Show thinking
Three categories confirmed. The four remaining words (DEPARTED, GOOD SHEPHERD, MARTIAN, RAINMAKER) are all films with "The" in the title: The Departed, The Good Shepherd, The Martian, The Rainmaker. This completes the puzzle.
<guess>
DEPARTED, GOOD SHEPHERD, MARTIAN, RAINMAKER
</guess>
<confidence>
0.95
</confidence>
completion: 311 · cost: $0.002346
837 → SOLVED
prompt: 2,929 · completion: 2,860 · guesses: 4 · correct: 4 · time: 00:07 · cost: $0.0206
Puzzle 3144/4 correct (100%) · $0.0197
314 → WIP
HOW TO PLAY
1. Guess 4 related words that belong to the same category.
2. You'll be told "CORRECT", "INCORRECT", "INCORRECT - ONE AWAY" or "INVALID_RESPONSE" with details.
3. If a word has been correctly guessed, it shall not be used again.
4. You have at most 6 total guesses (4 incorrect answers allowed).
5. Once you have guessed 4 correct distinct sets, the puzzle is solved.
SCORING
You are scored on three criteria, in priority order:
1. Solve rate: Did you complete the puzzle? This is all that matters for correctness.
2. Cost: Every token you generate costs money. Cheaper solves are better.
3. Speed: Faster solves are better, but this is secondary to cost.
Incorrect guesses give you free information - use them to narrow the solution space. You are only penalized for incorrect guesses if you fail the puzzle.
With 4 incorrect guesses available, guess quickly early on. Save deeper analysis for when you have 1-2 incorrect guesses remaining.
RESPONSE FORMAT:
Provide your response in this exact structure:
<thinking>
[Your reasoning]
</thinking>
<guess>
[EXACTLY four words, ALL CAPS, comma-separated]
</guess>
<confidence>
[A number between 0.0 and 1.0 indicating your confidence in this guess]
</confidence>
Available words: HAMMER, BUNK, TAIL, HORNS, HURDLE, CROCK, GOATEE, BOWLINE, POLE, BEND, BATON, SHEEPSHANK, HOGWASH, HORSEFEATHERS, HITCH, PITCHFORK
prompt: 501
Show thinking
First category that jumps out is clear synonyms for "nonsense": BUNK, CROCK, HOGWASH, HORSEFEATHERS. That's a classic Connections group (like baloney, malarkey, etc.).
Next, knot types: BOWLINE, SHEEPSHANK, BEND, HITCH (standard categories in knot-tying: bowlines, sheepshanks, bends, hitches).
Then, stereotypical devil features: HORNS, TAIL, GOATEE, PITCHFORK.
Last group fits track-and-field implements/events: HAMMER (throw), HURDLE, POLE (vault), BATON (relay). This leaves nothing over and all groups align thematically without forcing connections.
Starting with the nonsense group as it's the most unambiguous.
<guess>
BUNK, CROCK, HOGWASH, HORSEFEATHERS
</guess>
<confidence>
0.85
</confidence>
completion: 1,123 · cost: $0.007625
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 715
Show thinking
First group (nonsense) confirmed correct. Remaining: HAMMER, TAIL, HORNS, HURDLE, GOATEE, BOWLINE, POLE, BEND, BATON, SHEEPSHANK, HITCH, PITCHFORK.
Strong knot-tying category stands out next: BOWLINE (a fixed loop knot), SHEEPSHANK (a shortening knot), BEND (type of knot joining two ropes, e.g. sheet bend), HITCH (type of knot attaching to an object, e.g. clove hitch). This is a standard knot classification theme.
The remaining words then split cleanly into devil features (HORNS, TAIL, GOATEE, PITCHFORK) and track/field events/implements (HAMMER throw, HURDLE, POLE vault, BATON relay). No overlap or better groupings visible. Proceeding with knots.
<guess>
BOWLINE, SHEEPSHANK, BEND, HITCH
</guess>
<confidence>
0.8
</confidence>
completion: 711 · cost: $0.005581
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 950
Show thinking
Two groups confirmed: nonsense words and knot types. Remaining: HAMMER, TAIL, HORNS, HURDLE, GOATEE, POLE, BATON, PITCHFORK.
Next clearest category is classic devil depictions: HORNS (on head), TAIL (pointed), GOATEE (beard), PITCHFORK (carried). This is a frequent Connections theme.
The last four then fit athletics perfectly: HAMMER (throw), HURDLE(s), POLE (vault), BATON (relay pass). No stronger or alternative groupings fit better. Submitting devil category.
<guess>
HORNS, TAIL, GOATEE, PITCHFORK
</guess>
<confidence>
0.9
</confidence>
completion: 430 · cost: $0.003789
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 1,127
Show thinking
Three categories confirmed. Remaining words: HAMMER, HURDLE, POLE, BATON. These form a clear group of track and field terms: HAMMER (throw), HURDLE (event), POLE (vault), BATON (relay). This completes the puzzle with standard Connections categories (nonsense, knots, devil features, athletics).
<guess>
HAMMER, HURDLE, POLE, BATON
</guess>
<confidence>
0.95
</confidence>
completion: 336 · cost: $0.002657
314 → SOLVED
prompt: 3,293 · completion: 2,600 · guesses: 4 · correct: 4 · time: 00:10 · cost: $0.0197
Puzzle 8314/4 correct (100%) · $0.0191
831 → WIP
HOW TO PLAY
1. Guess 4 related words that belong to the same category.
2. You'll be told "CORRECT", "INCORRECT", "INCORRECT - ONE AWAY" or "INVALID_RESPONSE" with details.
3. If a word has been correctly guessed, it shall not be used again.
4. You have at most 6 total guesses (4 incorrect answers allowed).
5. Once you have guessed 4 correct distinct sets, the puzzle is solved.
SCORING
You are scored on three criteria, in priority order:
1. Solve rate: Did you complete the puzzle? This is all that matters for correctness.
2. Cost: Every token you generate costs money. Cheaper solves are better.
3. Speed: Faster solves are better, but this is secondary to cost.
Incorrect guesses give you free information - use them to narrow the solution space. You are only penalized for incorrect guesses if you fail the puzzle.
With 4 incorrect guesses available, guess quickly early on. Save deeper analysis for when you have 1-2 incorrect guesses remaining.
RESPONSE FORMAT:
Provide your response in this exact structure:
<thinking>
[Your reasoning]
</thinking>
<guess>
[EXACTLY four words, ALL CAPS, comma-separated]
</guess>
<confidence>
[A number between 0.0 and 1.0 indicating your confidence in this guess]
</confidence>
Available words: STOCKINGS, BLUSH, SWEAT, TRAIL, DYE, FIDGET, TIGER, GRADE, CLIP, RANK, RATE, MASCARA, PACE, TOWEL, SCORE, NOSE
prompt: 485
Show thinking
The words group into clear categories: GRADE/RANK/RATE/SCORE are ways to evaluate; CLIP/TIGER/TOWEL/TRAIL all precede "paper"; BLUSH/FIDGET/PACE/SWEAT are signs of nervousness; DYE/MASCARA/NOSE/STOCKINGS are things that "run". All connections align tightly with common NYT themes. Starting with the evaluation group as it's the most straightforward match.
<guess>
GRADE, RANK, RATE, SCORE
</guess>
<confidence>
0.85
</confidence>
completion: 1,097 · cost: $0.007437
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 616
Show thinking
Remaining words: STOCKINGS, BLUSH, SWEAT, TRAIL, DYE, FIDGET, TIGER, CLIP, MASCARA, PACE, TOWEL, NOSE. Strong matches are clear: BLUSH/FIDGET/PACE/SWEAT are all classic signs of nervousness. This is a higher-confidence category than the others at this stage. The "paper ___" group (CLIP/TIGER/TOWEL/TRAIL) and "things that run" (DYE/MASCARA/NOSE/STOCKINGS) can follow.
<guess>
BLUSH, FIDGET, PACE, SWEAT
</guess>
<confidence>
0.9
</confidence>
completion: 803 · cost: $0.005359
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 779
Show thinking
Remaining: STOCKINGS, TRAIL, DYE, TIGER, CLIP, MASCARA, TOWEL, NOSE. Two obvious groups left. PAPER CLIP / PAPER TIGER / PAPER TOWEL / PAPER TRAIL is an extremely common NYT Connections quartet. The other (DYE, MASCARA, NOSE, STOCKINGS) fits "can run." Guessing the PAPER set now.
<guess>
CLIP, TIGER, TOWEL, TRAIL
</guess>
<confidence>
0.95
</confidence>
completion: 505 · cost: $0.003551
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 911
Show thinking
All prior groups confirmed: evaluation terms (GRADE/RANK/RATE/SCORE), nervousness signs (BLUSH/FIDGET/PACE/SWEAT), and "paper ___" items (CLIP/TIGER/TOWEL/TRAIL). The only quartet left is DYE/MASCARA/NOSE/STOCKINGS, which share the strong connection of things that "run." This completes the puzzle with high certainty.
<guess>
DYE, MASCARA, NOSE, STOCKINGS
</guess>
<confidence>
0.95
</confidence>
completion: 388 · cost: $0.002768
831 → SOLVED
prompt: 2,791 · completion: 2,793 · guesses: 4 · correct: 4 · time: 00:12 · cost: $0.0191
Puzzle 8264/4 correct (100%) · $0.0170
826 → WIP
HOW TO PLAY
1. Guess 4 related words that belong to the same category.
2. You'll be told "CORRECT", "INCORRECT", "INCORRECT - ONE AWAY" or "INVALID_RESPONSE" with details.
3. If a word has been correctly guessed, it shall not be used again.
4. You have at most 6 total guesses (4 incorrect answers allowed).
5. Once you have guessed 4 correct distinct sets, the puzzle is solved.
SCORING
You are scored on three criteria, in priority order:
1. Solve rate: Did you complete the puzzle? This is all that matters for correctness.
2. Cost: Every token you generate costs money. Cheaper solves are better.
3. Speed: Faster solves are better, but this is secondary to cost.
Incorrect guesses give you free information - use them to narrow the solution space. You are only penalized for incorrect guesses if you fail the puzzle.
With 4 incorrect guesses available, guess quickly early on. Save deeper analysis for when you have 1-2 incorrect guesses remaining.
RESPONSE FORMAT:
Provide your response in this exact structure:
<thinking>
[Your reasoning]
</thinking>
<guess>
[EXACTLY four words, ALL CAPS, comma-separated]
</guess>
<confidence>
[A number between 0.0 and 1.0 indicating your confidence in this guess]
</confidence>
Available words: DOOR, COMPASS, TOP, BETTER, DOWNING, BEST, SCALE, FLEET, WALL, BEAT, HATCH, INSET, KEY, MAIN, PORTAL, GATE
prompt: 482
Show thinking
Words group into clear categories based on common NYT Connections patterns: map elements (COMPASS, INSET as inset map, KEY as legend, SCALE), famous streets (DOWNING, FLEET, MAIN, WALL), synonyms for "defeat/surpass" (BEAT, BEST, BETTER, TOP), and entrance synonyms (DOOR, GATE, HATCH, PORTAL). All groups align tightly with typical puzzle themes; starting with one high-confidence set.
<guess>
DOOR, GATE, HATCH, PORTAL
</guess>
<confidence>
0.75
</confidence>
completion: 1,215 · cost: $0.007563
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 625
Show thinking
Previous guess (DOOR/GATE/HATCH/PORTAL = entrances) was correct. Remaining words: COMPASS, TOP, BETTER, DOWNING, BEST, SCALE, FLEET, WALL, BEAT, INSET, KEY, MAIN. Strong groupings emerge: map features (COMPASS, KEY=legend, SCALE, INSET=map detail); famous streets (DOWNING, FLEET, MAIN, WALL); and verbs for surpassing (BEAT, BEST, BETTER, TOP). Starting with the clearest set.
<guess>
COMPASS, INSET, KEY, SCALE
</guess>
<confidence>
0.85
</confidence>
completion: 374 · cost: $0.002803
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 781
Show thinking
Remaining words: TOP, BETTER, DOWNING, BEST, FLEET, WALL, BEAT, MAIN.
Clear category: famous London/NYC streets (DOWNING Street, FLEET Street, MAIN Street, WALL Street). This is a classic Connections grouping. The final four (TOP, BETTER, BEST, BEAT) will then form "to surpass/defeat" (top, better, best, beat).
<guess>
DOWNING, FLEET, MAIN, WALL
</guess>
<confidence>
0.9
</confidence>
completion: 401 · cost: $0.003277
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 917
Show thinking
Last remaining words: TOP, BETTER, BEST, BEAT. These form a clear "surpass/defeat" category (as in "top the charts", "better someone", "best an opponent", "beat a rival"). This completes all four categories (entrances, map elements, famous streets, outperform verbs).
<guess>
BEAT, BEST, BETTER, TOP
</guess>
<confidence>
0.95
</confidence>
completion: 273 · cost: $0.003357
826 → SOLVED
prompt: 2,805 · completion: 2,263 · guesses: 4 · correct: 4 · time: 00:07 · cost: $0.0170
Puzzle 4764/4 correct (100%) · $0.0164
476 → WIP
HOW TO PLAY
1. Guess 4 related words that belong to the same category.
2. You'll be told "CORRECT", "INCORRECT", "INCORRECT - ONE AWAY" or "INVALID_RESPONSE" with details.
3. If a word has been correctly guessed, it shall not be used again.
4. You have at most 6 total guesses (4 incorrect answers allowed).
5. Once you have guessed 4 correct distinct sets, the puzzle is solved.
SCORING
You are scored on three criteria, in priority order:
1. Solve rate: Did you complete the puzzle? This is all that matters for correctness.
2. Cost: Every token you generate costs money. Cheaper solves are better.
3. Speed: Faster solves are better, but this is secondary to cost.
Incorrect guesses give you free information - use them to narrow the solution space. You are only penalized for incorrect guesses if you fail the puzzle.
With 4 incorrect guesses available, guess quickly early on. Save deeper analysis for when you have 1-2 incorrect guesses remaining.
RESPONSE FORMAT:
Provide your response in this exact structure:
<thinking>
[Your reasoning]
</thinking>
<guess>
[EXACTLY four words, ALL CAPS, comma-separated]
</guess>
<confidence>
[A number between 0.0 and 1.0 indicating your confidence in this guess]
</confidence>
Available words: SHAM, DISCARD, JUSTICE, STATE, DRAW, KEEP, LABOR, FULFILL, ENERGY, SHEET, UPHOLD, BLANKET, HONOR, PLAY, THROW, PASS
prompt: 484
Show thinking
The 16 words can be grouped into these clear categories without needing trial and error:
• US government cabinet departments: ENERGY, JUSTICE, LABOR, STATE
• Bedding items: BLANKET, SHAM, SHEET, THROW
• Verbs for complying with a contract/law/promise: FULFILL, HONOR, KEEP, UPHOLD
• Card-game actions: DISCARD, DRAW, PASS, PLAY
Starting with the strongest, most unambiguous group first (cabinet departments) to confirm and remove those words.
<guess>
ENERGY, JUSTICE, LABOR, STATE
</guess>
<confidence>
0.95
</confidence>
completion: 1,197 · cost: $0.008035
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 641
Show thinking
Remaining words: SHAM, DISCARD, DRAW, KEEP, FULFILL, SHEET, UPHOLD, BLANKET, HONOR, PLAY, THROW, PASS
Strongest remaining category is bedding: BLANKET, SHAM (pillow sham), SHEET, THROW (as in throw blanket). This is a common Connections grouping and feels definitive. After this, the compliance verbs (FULFILL, HONOR, KEEP, UPHOLD) and card actions (DISCARD, DRAW, PASS, PLAY) should slot in perfectly.
<guess>
BLANKET, SHAM, SHEET, THROW
</guess>
<confidence>
0.9
</confidence>
completion: 436 · cost: $0.003207
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 804
Show thinking
Remaining: DISCARD, DRAW, FULFILL, HONOR, KEEP, PASS, PLAY, UPHOLD
Clear split into:
• Fulfill/Honor/Keep/Uphold (to satisfy a contract, oath, promise, or law)
• Discard/Draw/Pass/Play (standard actions in card games)
Guessing the compliance verbs first as they are tightly linked.
<guess>
FULFILL, HONOR, KEEP, UPHOLD
</guess>
<confidence>
0.85
</confidence>
completion: 466 · cost: $0.003252
CORRECT. NEXT GUESS?
prompt: 933
Show thinking
Last four words: DISCARD, DRAW, PASS, PLAY. These are all standard actions performed during card games (discard a card, draw from the deck, pass on your turn, play a card). This completes the final category after the previous three correct groups (government departments, bedding items, and verbs for upholding obligations).
<guess>
DISCARD, DRAW, PASS, PLAY
</guess>
<confidence>
0.95
</confidence>
completion: 230 · cost: $0.001864
476 → SOLVED
prompt: 2,862 · completion: 2,329 · guesses: 4 · correct: 4 · time: 00:08 · cost: $0.0164