Candidate List
Definition
The candidate list is every remaining word that satisfies all the greens, yellows, and greys revealed so far. Strong solving is the disciplined narrowing of this list with each guess.
Why it matters
Maintaining an accurate candidate list — even mentally — is the foundation of every information and elimination decision.
Examples
- After clues, a list might shrink from 2,300 to 12 words.
- Each grey tile removes candidates containing that letter.
Best practices
- Re-derive the list from raw clues when stuck.
- Choose guesses by how they split the list.
Frequently asked
Do I have to track every candidate?
Not exhaustively — but sensing the list's size and shape guides good play.