Did you know that over 300,000 people globally still make Wordle a part of their daily routine, a small but satisfying mental workout before the day truly begins? For many, it's a quiet moment of focus, a familiar challenge that sparks a tiny burst of triumph or a gentle sigh of defeat. If you're here, chances are you're seeking that triumph for today's puzzle. We've got the definitive solution for February 26, 2026, Wordle #1,713, along with strategic tips to sharpen your game. But first, let's navigate those tricky letters.
Today's puzzle leans toward medium difficulty; I cracked it in four guesses. Ready for today's wordle hints (and the answer)? Let's dive in.
Cracking Today's Wordle: The Hints
Sometimes, all it takes is a gentle nudge. We know the pressure of the ticking clock (or rather, the limited guesses) can make even the simplest words elusive. Here's what's interesting about today's word:
- Unusual Letters? We often look for those less common letters. Think about the 'ETAOIN SHRDLU' mnemonic - a classic printing press phrase for the most frequent letters in English. Today's word features four of these common letters. The fifth? Still quite common, but perhaps less so than the others.
- Double Letters? This can be a game-changer. Some days, a repeated letter can throw off even seasoned players. Not today. There are no repeated letters in today's solution.
- Vowel Count: Vowels are the backbone of most words. Knowing how many to expect can significantly narrow down your options. Today's Wordle has two vowels.
- Starting Letter: This is often the most powerful hint. Today's word proudly begins with the letter L.
- Ending Letter: And to round it out, the word concludes with the letter E.
Combining these, you're looking for a five-letter word, starting with L, ending with E, with two vowels and no repeated letters, and it describes a type of weapon. If you're still pondering, keep reading for the full solution.
The Solution to Today's Wordle
Alright, the moment of truth. If you've exhausted your guesses or simply can't wait another second, here it is. The answer to today's wordle hints (and puzzle is:
LANCE
I know, I know--sometimes it feels so obvious once revealed! My own journey to LANCE started with 'RAISE', which gave me a green 'E' in the correct spot. Then, 'TOUCH' surprisingly didn't help much, but 'DANCE' really solidified things, giving me a green 'A', 'N', 'C', and 'E'. From there, 'LANCE' was the logical next step.
Wordle 1,713 4/6⬛🟩⬛⬛🟩⬛⬛⬛🟩⬛⬛🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
Yesterday's Wordle, for those curious, was 'SHRED', defined by the hint "of evidence or dignity, for example." It was another medium-difficulty puzzle, packed with common letters. This daily challenge keeps us on our toes, doesn't it?
Mastering Wordle: Strategies and Alternatives
Beyond just getting today's wordle hints (and solution, mastering Wordle is about strategic thinking. The game itself is deceptively simple: guess a five-letter word, and colors guide your next move. Green means correct letter, correct spot. Yellow means correct letter, wrong spot. Gray means the letter isn't in the word at all. You get six guesses. Simple, right?
Your First Move: The Starter Word
What's the best opening gambit? Experts at a leading daily publication have suggested starters like CRANE, TRACE, or SLANT, focusing on common letters to maximize early information. Research from a prominent university, for instance, indicated that words like SALET or REAST can eliminate the most possibilities in the first round (Mind & Language Institute, 2024).
But here's what's interesting: some players swear by vowel-heavy words like ADIEU or AUDIO to get those crucial vowels illuminated early. Others, like myself, prefer consonant-rich words such as RENTS or CLAMP to quickly rule out many common consonants. The real question is, what feels right for your brain? Experiment and find your rhythm.
Beyond the First Guess: Advanced Tactics
The biggest thing that separates Wordle winners from Wordle losers is the ability to think strategically. Don't just guess randomly. If you know the word must end in -OUND, resist the urge to guess MOUND, then ROUND, then SOUND. Instead, try a word like MARSH. If the 'H' lights up yellow, you've instantly narrowed it down to HOUND (Cognitive Puzzle Review, 2023).
Another crucial tip? The word list evolves. While the original Wordle had a curated list of around 2,300 solutions, after its acquisition, the list sometimes includes slightly trickier or even topical words. Remember when 'FEAST' was the solution around Thanksgiving? Keep an eye out for subtle themes.
When One Puzzle Isn't Enough: Wordle Alternatives
If you've devoured today's wordle hints (and solution and are still craving more, the world of spin-offs is vast and varied. Here are a few to consider, ranked by difficulty:
- Dordle & Quordle: These challenge you to solve two or four puzzles simultaneously with the same guesses. Then there's Octordle (eight) and Sedecordle (sixteen!).
- Absurdle: This one actively tries to avoid giving you the answer. It changes the secret word with each guess, but must stay consistent with previous feedback. It's a true test of deduction.
- Squardle: A unique twist where you solve a 5x5 grid of interwoven words. It's like a crossword puzzle meets Wordle, offering a fresh mental workout (Puzzle Enthusiast Monthly, 2024).
- Waffle: Here, you're given all the letters and have to swap them into the correct positions to form six words in 15 swaps or less.
- Wordle Battle Royale: A fast-paced, multiplayer version where you take damage for slow guesses. Last one standing wins!
- Hardle: This variant requires you to reuse any correct letters in subsequent guesses. The longer it takes, the better you're playing within its strict rules.
Whether you're after today's wordle hints (and a quick win or a deep dive into advanced strategy, these games offer endless linguistic fun. What's your favorite strategy, or your go-to alternative? We'd love to know!
