Hard Mode

Definition

Hard mode forces each guess to include every confirmed green in its position and every revealed yellow somewhere. It removes the freedom to play pure probe guesses and demands tighter planning.

Why it matters

Hard mode rewards disciplined, flexible openers and front-loaded information. Most competitive and expert players use it because it produces more honest, skill-revealing play.

Examples

• If E is green in position two, every later guess must keep E in position two.
• A yellow R must appear somewhere — but not in the position it was yellow.

Best practices

• Choose openers whose letters recombine into many words.
• Test as many common letters as possible before constraints bite.

Frequently asked