From ancient tales to daily puzzles, NYT Connections editor Wyna Liu shares exclusive insights on the intricate process of creating the popular word game, revealing a ‘Canterbury Tales’ category that almost made it and the player feedback that shapes her unique challenges.
The New York Times has captivated audiences worldwide with its suite of daily word games, and among them, Connections has carved out a special place. Players are constantly searching for the “common threads between words,” making each puzzle a test of wit and lateral thinking. Behind these daily brain teasers is Associate Puzzle Editor Wyna Liu, whose creative vision helps bring the game to life in the publications’ games section, as noted by Mashable.
In an exclusive interview with Parade, Liu offered a rare glimpse into the meticulous world of puzzle creation, revealing some fascinating behind-the-scenes details that shape the player experience.
The “Canterbury Tales” Category That Almost Was
One of Liu’s most intriguing revelations involved a category that never saw the light of day. She recalled creating a set featuring the words: COOK, KNIGHT, MILLER, and SUMMONER. For fans of classic literature, the connection is instantly recognizable: these are all characters from Geoffrey Chaucer’s seminal work, The Canterbury Tales.
However, her editor intervened, noting that such a deep literary cut might not align with the broad appeal of Connections. “My editor remarked, ‘It does seem rather not in the spirit of Connections to pull out a deep cut reference to The Canterbury Tales, which I’d guess .5% of your audience has read.’ Noted!” Liu shared with Parade.
This anecdote highlights the careful balance puzzle editors must strike between cleverness and accessibility. Liu, ever resourceful, quickly swapped out the literary references for another equally challenging yet more widely approachable category. She replaced it with CORONA, FLARE, LIGHT, and RADIATION, which collectively form the category SOLAR EMANATIONS. This change also allowed her to preserve a “Beer Brands” fake category she had been developing, showcasing the intricate web of connections that can exist within a single board.
Addressing the Fan Community: The Case of the Repeating Word
Beyond the complexities of category selection, Liu also touched upon a common complaint she hears from players: when a word that appears on the game board is also explicitly named in its category. While this might feel like a cheat or a spoiler to some, Liu clarifies that there’s no actual rule against it.
“I generally avoid those dupes for aesthetic reasons, but also want everyone to know that there’s no rule against this!” Liu explained to Parade. She added that “the category names in Connections are revealed only after the categories are found, so there are no spoilers and they don’t impact the solve.”
Liu recalled specific instances that drew significant feedback, such as the category THINGS THAT OPEN LIKE A CLAM, which included the word CLAM, and another involving EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL. These moments, while sometimes frustrating for players, underscore the unique challenges and creative freedoms inherent in designing a game that constantly pushes players to think outside the box.
The Art and Time Behind Each Puzzle
For those who wonder about the dedication required to craft these daily mental workouts, Liu offers a glimpse into her process. Creating a Connections board is not a quick task; it typically requires a significant time investment.
Liu budgets “two to two and a half hours for a Connections board, which includes time for brainstorming and research.” She notes that some puzzles come together in a single sitting, while others demand multiple sessions. When faced with a creative block, her strategy is simple yet effective: “If I’m stuck, I find it helpful to step away and return to those ideas with fresh eyes.”
These insights into Liu’s meticulous approach reveal the deep thought and creativity poured into every Connections puzzle. The game’s blend of linguistic challenge, unexpected groupings, and the occasional nod to broader knowledge bases continues to make it a beloved daily ritual for countless players.
Understanding the editorial process, from vetoed categories to addressing player feedback, only deepens our appreciation for the cleverness embedded in each day’s Connections game. It’s a reminder that even in simple word games, there’s a rich, complex world of design waiting to be discovered.
