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March 20, 2026
4 min read

How to Play Wordle: Rules Explained Clearly

Confused by the rules? Don't worry. This step-by-step tutorial will have you solving your first grid in minutes.

Sarah Johnson

AI Summary

This "How-To" article serves as a manual. It walks the user through a hypothetical game. Step 1: The Opener (choosing a word with vowels). Step 2: Interpreting Feedback (what to do with a yellow letter). Step 3: Narrowing Down (how to eliminate impossible words). It also explains "Hard Mode" (must use revealed hints) vs. "Standard Mode."

AI Highlights

  • The First Guess: Crucial. Don't waste it on "XYLYL." Use "ADIEU" or "STARE" to find vowels.
  • Hard Mode: A setting that forces you to use the hints you've found. Good for purists.
  • Process of Elimination: The gray keyboard letters are just as important as the green ones.

Step 1: The Opener

Type a generous 5-letter word. You want common letters: E, A, R, T, S, L. A word like STARE is a classic opener.

Step 2: Read the Colors

If the 'A' turns yellow, you know the word has an 'A', but not there. If the 'S' is gray, never use 'S' again.

Step 3: Move Letters Around

For your next guess, try to move the yellow letters to new spots. Don't repeat gray letters.

Summary

It's a process of elimination. The board tells you exactly what not to do.

Practice Word Skills

Wordle is a trademark of The New York Times Company. This article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not affiliated with or endorsed by The New York Times.

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