How to Play Wordle in 4 Easy Steps
Wordle has become a daily favorite for puzzle enthusiasts, thanks to its simple mechanics and engaging challenge. This one-word guessing game offers a satisfying mental workout that takes just a few minutes a day. If you’re new and unsure how to begin, this easy step-by-step guide will help you learn to play Wordle like a pro.
Note: While many Wordle alternatives exist, the official version is available through The New York Times website or the NYT Games app for Android and iOS.
Step 1: Visit the Official Wordle Website
Start by heading to the official Wordle site to begin your gameplay.
- Click on the “Play” button to launch the game.
- A brief guide will pop up showing how Wordle works.
- Green indicates a correct letter in the correct position.
- Yellow means the letter is right but wrongly placed.
- Grey shows that the letter isn’t in the word.
Once you’ve understood the rules, close the instructions window to start your first guess.
Step 2: Enter Your First Five-Letter Word
Type in a five-letter word that includes both vowels and consonants for maximum coverage.
- A good starting word gives insight into which letters might be in the solution.
- Consider words like “RAISE” or “ADIEU”, known for containing multiple vowels.
After entering your word, press Enter to see which letters change color, revealing how close you are to the correct answer.
Step 3: Guess Another Word Using the Clues
Use the feedback from your first guess to enter another strategic five-letter word.
- Green letters should be kept in their place.
- Yellow letters should be repositioned.
- Grey letters should be avoided in future guesses.
You have six total attempts, so make each guess count by eliminating and confirming letters effectively.
Step 4: Keep Going Until You Guess the Correct Word
Continue making guesses until you solve the puzzle or use all six attempts.
- Most players take about 4-5 tries to find the correct answer.
- With practice, your pattern recognition and strategy will improve.
Once you guess the word correctly, Wordle will celebrate your win, and you can share your results online without revealing the answer.
What Do the Wordle Colors Mean?
- Green = Correct letter and correct spot
- Yellow = Correct letter, wrong spot
- Grey = Incorrect letter altogether
These visual cues are the foundation of Wordle’s challenge and strategy.
Wordle Tips for Beginners
- Start with a word that uses common vowels (A, E, O) and frequent consonants (R, S, T, N).
- Use burner words in early rounds to explore possibilities.
- Examples: CRANE, SALET, OUIJA
- Track letter placements and avoid repeating eliminated letters.
- Don’t rush! You get one puzzle per day, so plan each move carefully.
Common Wordle Questions
What is the best starting word in Wordle?
Words like ADIEU, AISLE, or CRANE offer a good mix of common letters and vowels to begin with.
What is a burner word in Wordle?
A burner word is a strategic guess used to uncover more correct letters rather than solve the puzzle directly. These are often used early on to maximize information gain.
Can I replay Wordle on the same day?
No. The official Wordle only allows one puzzle per day, increasing the anticipation for your next challenge.
Is Wordle free to play?
Yes, it’s completely free on the NYT Games website and does not require any subscription or payment.
Wordle’s appeal lies in its simplicity, and once you get the hang of it, solving the word becomes an addictive daily ritual. So next time you visit the site, you’ll know exactly how to approach the challenge—and maybe even get it in one go!
Want help cracking today’s puzzle or need advanced tips? Just drop a comment, and let’s talk strategy.
