If you enjoy word games and puzzles, Wordle is one of the best and simplest games to play online. It became popular all over the world because it takes only a few minutes daily and makes your brain work smarter.
In Wordle, you guess one five-letter English word each day. You get six chances to find the correct word. The fun part is that every guess gives you clues about which letters are right or wrong.
This guide will explain how to play Wordle step by step, share easy tips, and teach daily tricks that can help you win more often.
What is Wordle?
Wordle is a free online word game that gives you one puzzle every day.
- You need to guess a five-letter English word.
- You have six tries to get the correct answer.
- After every guess, the game shows colors — green, yellow, or grey — to give you clues.
The game was made by a software engineer named Josh Wardle in 2021. It became so famous that The New York Times bought it in 2022. Now, millions of people play Wordle daily to test their English and thinking skills.
How to Play Wordle (Step by Step)
Let’s learn how Wordle works in very simple steps.
Step 1: Go to the Website
Open your browser and go to www.nytimes.com/games/wordle or simply search “Wordle” on Google.
Step 2: Start the Game
You will see five empty boxes in a row. This is where you type your first guess — any five-letter English word.
Step 3: Enter Your Guess
For example, type “APPLE” and press Enter.
Step 4: Watch the Colors
After your guess, each letter will change color:
- Green means the letter is correct and in the right position.
- Yellow means the letter is in the word but in the wrong position.
- Grey means the letter is not in the word at all.
Step 5: Use the Clues
Use the color clues to change your next word. Try new letters and move the yellow ones to different spots.
Step 6: Keep Guessing
You get six total chances. If you find the word before your sixth try, you win!
If not, the game shows the correct word at the end.
What Do the Colors Mean?
| Color | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 🟩 Green | Letter is correct and in the right place | R in “CRANE” is correct |
| 🟨 Yellow | Letter is correct but in the wrong place | A in “TRAIL” is correct but wrong spot |
| ⬜ Grey | Letter is not in the word | Z in “ZEBRA” is wrong |
Colors are your clues — pay attention to them after each guess.
Best Starting Words for Wordle
Your first guess is very important because it helps you find which letters are in the word. Experts suggest using words that include common letters and vowels (A, E, I, O, U).
Here are some of the best starting words for Wordle:
- SLATE
- CRANE
- AUDIO
- STARE
- ARISE
- EARTH
- ALERT
These words have a mix of vowels and popular consonants like S, T, R, L, and N — giving you a better chance to find clues early.
Simple Tips for Beginners
If you’re just starting, follow these easy tricks to play smarter:
1. Use a Word with Many Vowels First
Using words like AUDIO or ARISE helps you quickly find which vowels are in the word.
2. Don’t Repeat Wrong Letters
If a letter turns grey, avoid using it again. It only wastes your chances.
3. Try to Learn from Each Guess
Look at the colors carefully. Move yellow letters to different places. Keep the green letters fixed.
4. Use New Letters Early
In your first two or three guesses, try to use different letters to collect more clues.
5. Keep Calm — It’s Just One Game a Day!
Many people get frustrated if they don’t win. But remember, you can only play one puzzle each day. So, just relax and enjoy it!
Daily Wordle Strategies
To improve your daily score and maintain a winning streak, try these strategies.
Stick to One Starter Word
Use the same strong starting word every day. It helps your brain get used to patterns and spot letter combinations faster.
Focus on Common Letter Patterns
Many English words end with -ER, -ED, -LY, -TH. Try guessing words with these endings once you have some clues.
Use a Mix of Vowels and Consonants
If your first guess doesn’t show any vowels, make sure the next word includes more vowels. This balances your guesses.
Think of Word Families
If you know that the word includes letters like R, A, and N, think of related words — like BRAIN, TRAIN, CRANE.
Use Hard Mode for Practice
Hard Mode forces you to use every letter you’ve found correctly in the next word. It’s a good way to build discipline and focus.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many new players make small errors that reduce their chances. Here are a few to remember:
- Starting with rare letters like Q, Z, or X — they are less useful in the beginning.
- Ignoring the colors — if you keep using grey letters, you’ll run out of chances fast.
- Guessing random words — always use logic, not luck.
- Not changing letter positions — yellow means “move it,” not “keep it.”
- Typing plural words ending in S — most Wordle answers are singular (like “APPLE,” not “APPLES”).
Example Game Walkthrough
Let’s go through a small example.
Target word: CRANE
| Guess | Word | Feedback | What You Learn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | STARE | 🟩🟨⬜⬜🟨 | R is correct and fixed, A and E exist but wrong spots |
| 2 | CARES | 🟩🟩⬜🟨⬜ | C and A are in right places, S is not needed |
| 3 | CRANE | 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 | You win! |
You can see how feedback helps step by step.
Why People Love Wordle
- It’s quick: You can finish it in 5 minutes.
- It’s smart: It improves your English vocabulary.
- It’s free: You don’t have to download or pay anything.
- It’s fun to share: You can post your score (without spoiling the answer) on WhatsApp or social media.
Fun Facts About Wordle
- Wordle was made as a gift from Josh Wardle to his partner.
- There is only one new puzzle every 24 hours.
- Over 3 million people play it daily worldwide.
- Wordle inspired many similar games like Heardle (for music) and Worldle (for geography).
- Some schools use Wordle to help students learn English words.
Make Wordle a Daily Habit
Playing Wordle every day can:
- Improve your English vocabulary.
- Train your brain to think logically.
- Help you feel relaxed for a few minutes daily.
You can even play with friends or family — see who solves it first!
If you miss a day, don’t worry. Each puzzle is independent. Just come back the next day and continue your streak.
Final Thoughts
Wordle is not just a game — it’s a small daily exercise for your mind. You don’t need strong English skills to enjoy it. With simple logic and a little practice, anyone can become good at it.
Remember:
- Start with a strong word.
- Learn from color clues.
- Don’t repeat mistakes.
- Play regularly to get better.
Soon, you’ll find yourself guessing the right word in 3 or 4 tries every time!