Wordle is a daily word game published by The New York Times in which players guess a five-letter target word within six attempts, using each guess to narrow possibilities based on exact match (green), partial match (yellow), and no match (gray). This evergreen guide explains how to play, effective strategies, the official dictionary and rules, common questions, and how the New York Times version may differ from earlier independent versions.
How Wordle Works
Each day features one five-letter target word. You enter a valid five-letter guess, and tiles update to show correctness and proximity:
- Green: correct letter in correct position.
- Yellow: correct letter in wrong position.
- Gray: letter not in the target word.
You have up to six guesses to identify the target word. Words must be valid according to the New York Times selected dictionary, and only lower-case letters are accepted.
Basic Rules and Controls
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Target word length | 5 letters | Official game rules |
| Maximum guesses | 6 | Official game rules |
| Daily solution | One word per day globally | The New York Times |
| Accepted input | Lower-case five-letter strings only | Game interface |
| Dictionary source | NYT-curated word list, updated periodically | The New York Times |
Effective Strategies
High-information first guesses help reduce possibilities quickly. Aim to use a diverse set of common letters across your first two or three guesses, prioritizing vowels and frequent consonants.
Turn-by-Turn Guidance
Use each result to constrain the set of possible letters and positions. If a letter is green, keep it in that position; if yellow, move it elsewhere within the word; if gray, remove it from future guesses. Avoid reusing grayed letters unless new information indicates otherwise.
Example Starting Words
- CRANE
- SLATE
- ROATE
- TARES
- LOUDN
These examples provide broad letter coverage and are commonly used in strategy discussions. Adapt based on your dictionary version and personal preferences.
Common Questions and Clarifications
Players often ask whether certain words are allowed, if plurals are favored, and how the New York Times version compares to earlier builds.
Is Wordle free to play on The New York Times website?
Yes. Wordle is included for free with a New York Times subscription. Some regions may have account and device requirements. A dedicated archive may be available depending on your subscription and access type.
Does the New York Times change the word list or add hints?
The New York Times maintains a curated dictionary and occasionally updates it. The daily solution is chosen from this list and remains consistent globally for each calendar day. As of the current information, official hints beyond color feedback are not provided.
Can I replay past puzzles or use unlimited guesses?
The official New York Times Wordle follows a one-solution-per-day, six-guess format. Experimental or archive modes may be available to some subscribers, depending on access and region.
Regional Availability and Access
Wordle is available in many regions via the New York Times website and apps. Local rules, dictionary content, and archive access can vary based on language, country, and subscription type. Ensure you are signed in under the correct account to access region-specific features.
Comparisons and Variants
Several unofficial variants and inspired games use similar mechanics but differ in word length, guess limits, or themes. The New York Times Wordle maintains a consistent daily format and integrates into the NYT Games ecosystem, which may include cross-game progress and account-linked features.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | New York Times Wordle | Common Variants |
|---|---|---|
| Word length | 5 letters | 4–6 letters |
| Guesses allowed | 6 | 4–10 |
| Daily solution | Yes | Varies |
| Account integration | Yes (NYT account) | Rarely |
| Language support | Primarily English | Varies |
Summary and Best Practices
Treat Wordle as a logic and vocabulary exercise: focus on high-value guesses, respect confirmed constraints, and update your mental list of possible letters and positions after every attempt. The New York Times version preserves the core mechanics while integrating into a broader suite of games, and minor changes to word lists or access policies may occur over time.