What is Wordle and Why is Everyone Playing It?

Understanding Wordle

When I first came across Wordle, I didn’t think much of it. I figured I was too busy for another word game. However, my brother-in-law sent me the link and asked if I had tried it yet. I hadn’t, but a competitive spark ignited within me (we had previously enjoyed some friendly rivalry over the New York Times mini crossword).

Upon clicking the link, I was greeted by a straightforward page featuring a grid for six five-letter words, a keyboard, simple instructions, and a few settings like “Hard Mode,” “Dark Theme,” and “Color Blind Mode.” I dove into my first game but lost, unable to guess the five-letter word in the six tries allowed. I was just one letter off, and that loss still lingers in my mind. Once my final guess was made, a countdown timer appeared, indicating I would have to wait 17 hours for my next chance. Thus began my new favorite morning ritual.

The Wordle Craze

It seems like everyone is playing Wordle. If you’ve scrolled through social media recently, you’ve likely seen posts featuring a grid of gray, yellow, and green squares—no letters, no spoilers. If you haven’t played, this may all seem trivial. But for those in the know, spotting another player can elicit a rush of excitement.

Josh Wardle, the game’s creator, shared with NPR that over 2.7 million people began playing the game, which was initially designed for his partner.

The Heartwarming Origin of Wordle

Wordle first caught my attention through a New York Times headline: “Wordle Is A Love Story.” I didn’t click on it at first (as a young widow approaching the fourth anniversary of my husband’s passing, I sometimes feel jaded about love stories). However, after playing, I returned to read it, and the backstory is truly heartwarming.

Josh Wardle crafted the game for his partner, who is a fan of word games. During the pandemic’s early days, they enjoyed various word games together, including the New York Times crossword and Spelling Bee. He stated, “I wanted to come up with a game that she would enjoy.” His partner, Palak Shah, remarked, “This is definitely how Josh shows his love.”

A Game Meant to Be Enjoyed and Put Down

Wordle operates simply: players guess a five-letter word, and the game uses color coding to indicate whether letters are correct and if they’re in the right position—similar to a blend of Mastermind and Hangman. You have six attempts to guess the word, and once you finish (or run out of guesses), the game concludes until the next day. You can share your results, but you can’t play again until the following day.

In a world where games are often designed to keep players glued to their screens, Wordle’s premise is refreshing—it essentially encourages you to “put down your phone.” There’s something almost pure in its simplicity and ad-free environment. Even someone like me, who has been jaded by life, finds warmth in it.

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Summary:

Wordle is a simple, daily word game created by Josh Wardle for his partner, which has quickly gained popularity. Players guess a five-letter word within six attempts, using color codes to receive feedback on their guesses. The game is designed to be played once a day, promoting a break from constant screen time.