LinkedIn Pinpoint #774 Answer for Saturday, June 13, 2026

Hey there, puzzle fans! It is time for another deep dive into the daily LinkedIn Pinpoint. This game is all about finding that one common thread that weaves through five seemingly different clues. Today’s puzzle was a classic example of how the game starts broad and then narrows down into a very specific functional category.

Let’s break down the clues and the logic used to crack the code for today’s answer: Things that block sunlight.

Deep Clue Analysis

Clouds

The Meaning of the Clue: These are visible masses of condensed water vapor floating in the atmosphere, typically appearing white or gray depending on their density and position relative to the sun.

Parasols

The Meaning of the Clue: A lightweight umbrella used primarily as a sunshade, often seen at beaches or in historical fashion, designed to protect a person from direct exposure to the sun.

Tinted glass

The Meaning of the Clue: Glass that has been treated with a specific coating or chemical film to reduce the amount of light and thermal radiation that can pass through it.

Dark curtains

The Meaning of the Clue: Heavy, opaque window coverings used in interior design to prevent light from entering a room, often referred to as "blackout" curtains.

The Moon during some eclipses

The Meaning of the Clue: During a solar eclipse, the moon moves into a position directly between the Earth and the Sun, physically obstructing the view of the sun from our perspective.

How we solved it based on the clues

When I first opened the puzzle and saw the word "Clouds," I’ll be honest—my mind went in a dozen different directions. I initially thought the category might be "Things in the sky" or maybe even "Sources of rain." It’s a very broad starting point, so I didn't want to burn a guess right away. I waited for the second clue to give me some much-needed context.

When "Parasols" popped up, I had to pivot. Parasols aren't usually associated with rain (that’s what umbrellas are for), and they certainly aren't "natural" like clouds. I started thinking about the relationship between the two. What do clouds and parasols have in common? They both provide shade. At this point, I considered guessing "Things that provide shade," but I felt like that might be a bit too narrow or slightly off the mark, so I held off for one more clue.

The third clue, "Tinted glass," really helped solidify the pattern. Tinted glass isn't about "shade" in the traditional sense of sitting under something; it’s about filtration. It’s about stopping light from getting through. Now I was looking at a theme of light reduction. I was fairly confident, but "Tinted glass" could also imply "Privacy," so I wanted to see if the next clue would keep the focus on light.

"Dark curtains" was the "aha!" moment for me. Curtains are used for privacy, sure, but "dark" curtains specifically imply blocking out the day. By now, the connection was undeniable: every single one of these items acts as a barrier. Whether it’s a natural phenomenon like a cloud or a man-made object like curtains, they all serve the same functional purpose.

Finally, "The Moon during some eclipses" was the absolute clincher. It’s a massive, celestial version of a curtain. It literally moves in front of the sun to block its rays. After seeing that, there was no doubt left. The common thread wasn't just "shade" or "darkness"—it was the physical act of obstructing the sun's rays. I put in "Things that block sunlight," and it was a perfect match.

Lessons Learned from this pinpoint

• Focus on Function, Not Just Form: When you look at "Clouds" and "Tinted glass," they look nothing alike. One is a gas/liquid mix in the sky, and the other is a solid manufactured material. However, they both do the same thing. Focusing on what an object does rather than what it is can help you solve Pinpoints much faster.

• Wait for the Pivot Clue: Clue 1 is almost always a "distractor" because it belongs to so many categories. Clue 2 or 3 is usually the "pivot" that tells you which direction to go. Don't be afraid to change your initial theory entirely once that second clue drops.

• Look for the "Extreme" Example: Usually, the fifth clue is the most dramatic or literal version of the category. The Moon blocking the sun is the most extreme version of blocking sunlight possible. If you’re stuck, ask yourself: "What is the biggest or most famous version of the clues I already have?"

• Identify the Source: In this puzzle, the common enemy was the Sun. Once you realize that every clue is reacting to the Sun, you’ve basically solved the puzzle. Always try to identify if there is an external force (like light, gravity, or water) that all the clues are interacting with.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why wouldn't the answer just be "Shade"?
A: While "Shade" is the result of these things, "Things that block sunlight" is a more accurate description of the items themselves. Pinpoint often looks for the functional relationship between the clues rather than just the state they create.

Q: Does "The Moon during some eclipses" refer to lunar eclipses too?
A: No, in a lunar eclipse, the Earth blocks the sun from hitting the moon. In a solar eclipse, the moon is the one doing the blocking, which fits the theme of the other clues being "blockers."

Q: Is "Tinted glass" always about the sun?
A: Primarily, yes. In the context of cars and buildings, the "tint" is specifically designed to block UV rays and visible light to keep interiors cool and reduce glare, making it a perfect fit for this category.

Q: How do "Clouds" fit if they don't block all the light?
A: The category doesn't require 100% obstruction. Just as tinted glass lets some light through, clouds "block" a percentage of sunlight, which is why the day gets darker when a cloud passes over the sun.

Q: What is the best strategy if I am stuck on the second clue?
**A