Word Chain
Type any word to start
Next word starts with any letter
Type a word and press Enter before the timer runs out. Your record: 0 wins · 0 losses · 0 draws
How to play Word Chain
Word Chain is a quick back-and-forth word game, great for car journeys and classrooms, now against the computer or a friend on one device.
- The first player types any word.
- Each next word starts with the last letter of the word before. After APPLE comes a word starting with E, like EAGLE, then a word starting with E again.
- Words need 3 or more letters, must be everyday English words, and can’t be used twice in the same game.
- You have 20 seconds a turn. Run out of time, or give up, and the other player wins.
The computer has three levels. Easy knows the most common words and sometimes gets stuck. Medium knows many more. Hard knows thousands of words and loves to leave you with awkward letters like X, Y and K.
Quick tips for winning
- End on awkward letters. Words ending in X, Z, J, K or Y are harder to follow.
- Avoid ending on E and S. Thousands of words start with E and S, so they make life easy for your opponent.
- Keep a few backups. Think of two or three words for common letters before you need them.
- Watch for repeats. Late in a long game, your favourite words may already be used.
Learn which letters to aim for and how to trap your opponent.
Read the Word Chain guideWord Chain FAQ
Is Word Chain free?
Yes. Play the computer or a friend as often as you like, free in your browser. No download and no account needed.
How long do I have for each turn?
20 seconds. The bar shows how much time is left. The first word of a game has no time limit.
Can I use names or places?
No. Words must be everyday English words in our word list, so names of people and places don’t count.
Can I play with a friend?
Yes. Choose 2 players and take turns typing on the same device.
How good is the computer?
Easy knows a few thousand common words and sometimes gets stuck. Hard knows about 30,000 words and tries to leave you a difficult letter.