Buzz
Selecting an effective starting word in Wordle combines both strategy and creativity. Studies have shown that CRANE is an optimal choice, while SALET has also been recommended. The New York Times recently analyzed player data and discovered that ADIEU, despite being the most commonly used starter, is surprisingly the least effective.
While ADIEU isn't the absolute worst starting word, it ranks the lowest among the top 30 popular choices like STARE, SLATE, AUDIO, and RAISE. When evaluated for their ability to uncover letters efficiently, the top performers are SLATE, CRANE, LEAST, STARE, and RAISE, with ADIEU trailing at the bottom. (Personally, I prefer ARISE, which comes in at seventh place.)
Is it beneficial for a Wordle starter word to contain multiple vowels?
Let’s dive into the debate. Advocates for ADIEU argue that it includes four vowels, and since every solution must contain at least one vowel, eliminating four right away seems strategic. (Only O and occasionally Y are excluded.)
However, some argue that vowels don’t provide much useful information in terms of narrowing down possibilities. Most English words remain readable even without vowels, and since every word includes them, you’re left with a wide range of options. For example, if ADIEU reveals a yellow A, you know the solution contains an A, but that doesn’t significantly narrow down the potential answers.
An alternative approach is to start with a consonant-rich word and address vowels later. As one Wordle enthusiast (a spouse, to be precise) pointed out, 'There are only five vowels, and U is rarely used.'
Your starting word should align with your personal solving strategy
Beyond scientific analysis, I believe there’s little value in chasing the 'theoretically' best starter word. Instead, focus on finding what works best for you. Human brains don’t process possibilities like computers. Personally, I prefer identifying vowels early because it helps me mentally sound out potential words. For instance, knowing vowels occupy the second and fourth positions (e.g., _A_E_) suggests a two-syllable word. I mentally test available letters in each spot. A vowel-heavy starter works for me, but it might not for you.
When selecting a starting word, think about how you process possibilities midway through the puzzle. Which starters align with your solving approach? If knowing the initial letters helps you, consider a word like TRASH, which introduces several common starting consonants early on.
My strategy strikes a balance: I use a pair of starters. With ARISE and TOUCH, I gather information on all five vowels and five frequently used consonants. If you start with ADIEU, I recommend following it up with THORN for better coverage.
Remember to account for Y, the occasional vowel
Should Y be part of your starting word? While many overlook it, there’s a strong case for incorporating Y early in the game.
Y often goes unnoticed because it’s near the end of the alphabet, leading many to assume it’s as rare as X or Z. However, Y is relatively common (worth 4 points in Scrabble compared to X's 8 and Z's 10) and appears in words like FUNNY and JAZZY (JAZZY being one of the most challenging Wordle answers this year). Additionally, words ending in Y frequently feature double letters, such as the N and Z in those examples, so keep this in mind as you narrow down possibilities.
From elementary school, you might remember that vowels include 'A, E, I, O, U, and sometimes Y.' (Some even learned '...and sometimes Y and W.') This is because Y can function independently as a vowel. For instance, in FUNNY, U is the vowel in the first syllable, while Y serves as the vowel in the second. Additionally, some words, such as GLYPH, NYMPH, and TRYST, rely on Y as their sole vowel.
If you’re stuck in a Wordle puzzle and suspect a lack of vowels, try inserting a Y into your guess, ideally at the end. Words like LANKY or HORNY could be excellent choices when you’re unsure of the solution.
