Word Guess (Wordle): The Best Starting Word and Strategy to Win in 3

Word Guess is the online version of the viral Wordle phenomenon. You have 6 attempts to guess a 5-letter word. Each attempt gives you color clues. There is an optimal mathematical strategy that dramatically reduces the attempts needed.

The Color System

• Green: The letter is in the correct position.
• Yellow: The letter is in the word but in a different position.
• Gray: The letter is not in the word.

The Best Starting Word (in English)

For the English mode, words covering the most frequent letters are best. "CRANE", "SLATE" or "ADIEU" cover common vowels and frequent consonants. The goal isn't to guess on the first attempt — it's to eliminate as many letters as possible.

The Second Word: Cover What You Missed

Your second word should use completely different letters from the first (except confirmed greens). If the first was "CRANE" and you got no matches, the second could be "STUMP" or "BOILY" to cover more letters.

When You Have Yellow Letters

Yellow letters are the key. You must place them in a different position from where they appeared (because you confirmed they are NOT there). And you know they're in the word, so your next attempt must include them in another position.

The Total Elimination Method

Advanced players use the first 2-3 attempts exclusively to "explore" letters, without trying to guess the word. This may sound counterproductive, but mathematically it maximizes the information gained and leaves the last attempts with near-total certainty.