How to Play Wordle the Party Game if you hate rulebooks

I hate rulebooks and so I compiled this How to Play Wordle the party game guide to get your game started fast!

Aim

• Guess the Wordle in the fewest tries (six max). Fewer tries mean fewer points. Player with the fewest points wins.

What’s Different?

• Players take turns as the Wordle Host.
• Host writes a Secret Word each round for others to guess.
• Compete to solve the Wordle in the fewest tries.

Gameplay

1. Get Ready
   • Choose a Wordle Host.
   • Host writes names on the scoring table.
   • Players take a Wordle board, marker, and shield.
   • Have paper towels or cloths ready.
2. Playing a Round
   • Host picks a five-letter word and writes it secretly.
   • Players guess a five-letter word, writing it on their boards.
   • Host reviews guesses and places:
     • Green tiles for correct letters in the correct position.
     • Yellow tiles for correct letters in the wrong position.
   • Incorrect letters are not covered by tiles.
   • Host announces tile counts but not the letters.
   • Players cross out incorrect letters and guess again until solved or six tries are up.
   • Host reveals the Secret Word and marks scores.

Scoring

• Points based on number of tries:
  • One point per try.
  • Seven points for those who don’t guess the Wordle.
• Host scores no points.

Next Round

• Clean boards and prepare for a new round.
• Role of Host rotates.

Winning

• Play one round per player. The player with the fewest total points wins.

Valid Words

• Secret Words must be five-letter dictionary words.
• Prohibited: plural words, acronyms, standalone prefixes/suffixes, proper nouns, hyphenated words, non-English words, contractions, abbreviations.
• Host can challenge invalid guesses.

Wordle the Party Game: Additional Rules and Variations

Variations

1. Timed Mode
   • Set a 60- or 90-second timer for each guess.
   • If a guesser doesn’t write a word before time’s up, they must cross out that row and move to the next one.
2. Fast Mode
   • Guessers race to solve the Wordle first within six tries.
   • The round ends immediately when a player solves the Wordle.
   • The solver scores one point; everyone else scores zero.
   • The player with the most points at the end wins.
3. Team Mode
   • For more than four players or to combine brain power.
   • Teams take turns as guessers and hosts, following core rules.

Board Care

• Use paper towels or cloths to clean the boards after each round.
• Avoid harsh scrubbing to prevent damage.

Accessibility

• Ensure all players understand the rules and can participate fully.
• Use larger print for boards and markers if needed.

Picking a Good Secret Word

• Choose a challenging but fair five-letter word.
• Avoid overly obscure or complex words to keep the game fun for all players.