How to play Word Chain: strategy for winning

Word Chain is simple to play and surprisingly tactical. The last letter of your word is a weapon. Here’s how to use it.

The rules

Players take turns adding a word that starts with the last letter of the previous word. Words need three or more letters, must be real everyday words, and can’t be used twice in a game. You have 20 seconds a turn. Run out of time or give up, and the other player wins.

End on awkward letters

Some letters start far fewer words than others. Leaving your opponent with X, Z, J, Q, K or Y puts them under pressure. Words like BOX, QUIZ, PARK and HAPPY are handy.

Avoid giving away easy letters

Thousands of words start with S, C, P and T, and lots start with E. A word ending in one of these makes your opponent’s job easy.

Keep backups ready

While your opponent thinks, plan two or three words for the letters you’re likely to get. If they love leaving you with E, have EAGLE, EMPTY and ECHO ready.

Watch for used words

In long games, the obvious words get used up. Keep an eye on the chain so you don’t lose seconds trying a word that’s already been played.

Know the computer

On Easy, the computer knows only common words and sometimes runs dry. On Hard, it knows about 30,000 words and aims for awkward endings itself, so keep a few X and Y words in reserve.