Wordle hints: Boost your score in minutes

If you’ve been stuck on the green‑yellow game for a few days, you’re not alone. The good news is that Wordle isn’t magic – it’s a set of patterns you can learn. Below are simple, no‑fluff hints you can start using right now to nail the answer faster.

Pick the right starter word

The first guess sets the tone. Choose a word that covers the most common letters: SLATE, CRANE, or RAISE are popular for a reason. They give you at least three different vowels and a mix of high‑frequency consonants. If you get two greens on the first try, you already know the skeleton of the puzzle.

Don’t waste a guess on a word you love but that repeats letters you’ve already tried. The goal is information, not points. A good starter word will tell you quickly whether the puzzle uses an “E” or an “A” and which side of the alphabet the answer leans toward.

Read the colors like a code

When a letter turns yellow, you know it’s in the word but in the wrong spot. The trick is to move it to a new position where it hasn’t been tried yet. If a letter shows up yellow three times, you can be sure it appears only once – otherwise you’d have seen a green.

Green letters are your anchors. Fill in the blanks around them with your next guess. For example, if you have “_ R _ _ N” after two tries, think of words that fit that pattern before you throw in a random guess.

Use the process of elimination. After three guesses, you’ll often have a list of possible letters left. At this point, a short “scrabble‑style” guess like “MUTED” can confirm or reject the remaining suspects.

Advanced tricks for the stubborn days

When the puzzle is giving you double‑yellow letters, consider if the answer might have a double letter (like “EEL” or “BOSS”). Double letters are rare but they pop up often enough to be worth a guess if you’ve already ruled out most single‑letter options.

Keep a mental (or physical) list of common five‑letter words that use less‑common letters – “QUIZ”, “JUMBO”, “VEXED”. If you’re stuck with only one or two unknown spots, swapping in a word with a rare consonant can instantly confirm if that letter belongs in the answer.

Another pro tip: watch the day of the week. Some players have noticed that certain letters appear more often on specific days (e.g., “E” on Mondays). It’s not a rule, but it can give you a tiny edge when you’re choosing a fallback guess.

Practice makes perfect

The best way to get better is to play daily and review your guesses. After each game, note which starter words gave you the most greens. Over a week you’ll see a pattern and can tweak your approach.

Finally, remember the game is meant to be fun. If you’re feeling frustrated, take a break and come back with fresh eyes. The hints above are simple enough to apply even when you’re in a hurry, and they’ll help you turn those puzzling greens into quick wins.