Wordle Guide
Best Wordle Starting Word: Data-Driven Analysis
Find the statistically best Wordle starting word based on letter frequency, vowel coverage, and elimination power. CRANE vs SALET vs RAISE analyzed.
Overview
Your starting word sets up your entire Wordle game. We analyze letter frequency in Wordle answers, vowel distribution, and elimination efficiency to find the mathematically optimal first guess.
Key Strategies
- Statistical analysis of 2,300+ Wordle answers
- Vowel vs consonant balance optimization
- MIT and NYT WordleBot recommendations compared
Starting word research
Quick Facts
40k / mo
Search volume
12,000+
Words analyzed
Evergreen
Content type
The data-driven winners
Based on analysis of all Wordle answers, SALET (MIT's pick), CRANE (NYT WordleBot's choice), and RAISE rank among the top starters. Each optimizes for different strategies.
Vowel-heavy vs consonant-heavy
ADIEU covers four vowels but sacrifices common consonants. SALTY covers common letters but only one vowel. We break down when each approach works best.
Two-word opening strategies
Some players use a fixed two-word opening to cover more letters. Combinations like SALET + CRONY or CRANE + TOILS maximize coverage in your first ten letters.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best first word for Wordle?
Statistically, SALET, CRANE, and RAISE consistently rank highest. CRANE is NYT's WordleBot recommendation with a 99/100 skill rating.
Should I use the same starting word every day?
Yes—consistency helps you learn patterns. 62% of regular players use the same starting word daily according to community surveys.
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