Wordle’s popularity exploded. This daily word puzzle, now under the New York Times, has us all hooked. Players are searching for the perfect starting words. But, is the commonly used approach to start with words like “ADIEU” still the best? Perhaps, it is time for a change.
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The Myth of “ADIEU”
ADIEU has been a favorite for years. It uses four vowels, a seemingly smart move. But our research at WordTips suggests it might be outdated. We analyzed WordleBot suggestions, fan favorites, and letter frequencies. We also considered information entropy. Our goal? Discover a superior starting word strategy.
Understanding Wordle’s Core
The goal is to find the five-letter word in six tries. How can knowing letter frequencies help? Based on a sample of 40,000 words, Cornell Math research shows “E” appears frequently. Statistically, it has a higher probability than “D” or “Z”. A similar pattern also exists in the 2,309 possible Wordle solutions, according to NYT Wordle Bot. The key is to maximize your initial information with strategic guesses.
We cross-referenced NYT Wordle Bot solutions with letter frequency data. We then explored fan opinions on Reddit’s word game subreddits. Our aim was to find a Wordle starting strategy.
Key Insights
- “E” is the most common letter in Wordle solutions, appearing often.
- Many users stick with a single starting word daily.
- Vowel-heavy starters may not always give the best initial information.
- The letter “A” is also quite common in Wordle words.
- Some players prefer random or unconventional starting words.
- Higher uncertainty in your first guess gives more information.
“ADIEU” Demystified
Many Wordle players choose “ADIEU”. It has four vowels and seems logical. This popular choice still remains common with 5% of users who prefer it according to NYT data.
Wordle players are very much interested in the principle of information entropy. Words like “ADIEU” introduce uncertainty, meaning more information is revealed by them. Vowels, while limited, carry weight. However, vowel-heavy words can be a disadvantage when you need to find consonants. A balance is key.
Conclusion
While “ADIEU” is a popular starting word, there may be smarter options available. Understanding letter frequencies and optimizing your starting word based on entropy can improve your Wordle performance. Experiment with new approaches and see if a balanced word gives better results. Consider balancing vowels and consonants in your first word. Don’t just use a word because everyone else does!
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