When Josh Wardle, a software engineer based in New York, first conceptualized Wordle during the stringent coronavirus lockdown, he likely never envisioned that he would set the stage for a worldwide gaming phenomenon. His intentions were surprisingly straightforward, as Wardle aimed to create a simple yet engaging game solely for the enjoyment of himself and his partner, reflecting the personal and intimate nature of its origin.
In October 2021, Wardle opened the doors to the public for Wordle. Instantly, the game cultivated a fervent community of players around the globe, with many enthusiasts eagerly flocking to social media on a daily basis to exchange tips, discuss strategies, and share their results. The fervor surrounding the game culminated in January 2022, when The New York Times acquired it for an undisclosed, modest seven-figure sum, and it incredibly continued to remain free to play for its ardent fans.
Aslan pointed out the significance of strategically selecting a starting word in the game. “Choosing roots with frequently used vowels, such as e and a, along with consonants like r and t, and sound combinations can prove advantageous. Opting for a word that commences with less common letters such as q, z, j, or x may not yield favorable results,” he explained.
As players receive feedback after a handful of guesses, it becomes essential to rely on their phonetic knowledge to sift through potential word options. For instance, if the second letter of the target word is revealed to be l (indicated by a green square), and the player suspects the word begins with a consonant, they must recognize that only a limited number of consonant clusters exist (for example, bl, cl, fl, gl, pl, sl).
Wordle #1,240, Clues for Sunday, November 10
Newsweek has compiled five helpful clues for today’s challenging Wordle puzzle.
Hint #1: The second and third letters are identical.
Hint #2: There are two vowels present.
Hint #3: Synonyms for today’s Wordle include “close,” “internal,” and “intimate.”
Hint #4: The fourth letter is a vowel, adding an extra layer of complexity.
Hint #5: None of the first three letters in the alphabet are used in the word.
Wordle #1,240, Answer for Sunday, November 10
The answer to today’s Wordle brainteaser is “inner.”
That was an enjoyable challenge! Did you manage to solve it? If you did, congratulations on your success, but don’t feel disheartened if you didn’t. One of the most delightful aspects of Wordle is the opportunity for players to track their progress and enhance their skills over time. A fresh puzzle will be unveiled on Monday, and Newsweek will return with another round of insights and guidance.
What Does ‘Inner’ Mean?
The Cambridge Dictionary defines “inner” as “inside or contained within something else.”
For instance: “Leading off the main hall is a series of small inner rooms.”
**Interview with Wordle Fanatic, Aslan Reyes**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Aslan. You’re known for your expertise in Wordle strategy. Can you tell us a little about how you first discovered the game and what drew you to it?
**Aslan Reyes:** Thank you for having me! I found out about Wordle back in late 2021 through some friends who were talking about it on social media. I was intrigued by the idea of a simple, daily word puzzle. It was the perfect distraction during the lockdown, and I loved that it was a game everyone could play together while still being apart.
**Editor:** Wordle has experienced phenomenal growth since Josh Wardle released it to the public. Why do you think it resonated with so many people?
**Aslan Reyes:** I think it’s the simplicity and the social aspect that really made it special. It’s easy to learn but still challenging, and the daily puzzle creates this communal excitement. People love sharing their results and strategies online. It fosters a sense of camaraderie, and I believe that was especially impactful during the pandemic when many were feeling isolated.
**Editor:** You mentioned strategies earlier. What are your top tips for new players who want to improve their game?
**Aslan Reyes:** Absolutely! A big element of success in Wordle is choosing an effective starting word. I recommend using words that incorporate common vowels like “e” and “a,” along with consonants like “r” and “t.” Starting with less common letters might make the first guess more difficult. Also, keep track of the feedback you receive after each guess—it’s key to narrowing down possibilities efficiently.
**Editor:** It’s fascinating how a simple game can create such a large community. How did the acquisition of Wordle by The New York Times change the landscape for both the game and its players?
**Aslan Reyes:** That was a huge milestone! It validated the game’s popularity and acknowledged the community built around it. The New York Times’ involvement meant that Wordle would continue to be maintained and promoted. Thankfully, they kept it free to play, so the core experience remains accessible. I think it also introduced more casual gamers to the kinds of puzzles that The Times is known for.
**Editor:** where do you see the future of Wordle and similar games in the gaming landscape?
**Aslan Reyes:** I believe Wordle has paved the way for more simple, interactive games that focus on social connections rather than competition. We’re already seeing other word-based games pop up, and I think there’s potential for more innovative formats. The key will be maintaining that balance of simplicity and engagement—something that connects people, especially in a digital age where genuine interactions can feel sparse.
**Editor:** Thank you, Aslan, for sharing your insights and tips on Wordle. It’s clear that this game has had a significant impact on many people around the world.
**Aslan Reyes:** Thank you for having me! I always enjoy discussing Wordle and its community.
