Getting the Wordle answer on the first guess is an extraordinary feat, but it has happened. While the odds are incredibly low, there are players who have managed to guess the correct word on their first try.
But how likely is it to happen, and what does it take to achieve this rare accomplishment?
The Odds of Guessing Correctly on the First Try
Based on data from Real Statistics Using Excel, with 2,315 possible target words in Wordle, the chances of guessing the correct word on your first try are 1 in 2,315, or about 0.000432. Regardless of which word you choose to start with, the odds of success do not change.
And if you consider the full range of five-letter words in the English language—estimated to be around 158,000—the odds drop significantly to about 1 in 158,000.
These figures illustrate just how challenging it is to randomly select the correct word without any clues.
Is It Possible?
Despite the daunting odds, there are anecdotal accounts of players guessing the correct word on their first try.
Platforms like Reddit feature stories from lucky players who have achieved this rare feat, often with words like THORN, ROBOT, SCARE, PAUSE, RAISE, BAGEL, etc.
However, even those who have succeeded admit that luck played a significant role rather than skill.
Circumstances When it’s Possible to Get Wordle on the First Guess
While it’s rare, certain circumstances can increase the likelihood of getting the correct word on the first guess:
I. Daily Repetition of a Starting Word
Some players opt to begin their Wordle game with the same starting word every day, such as “OUIJA,” “AUDIO,” or “SLATE.” Learn more here: Do People Start Wordle with the Same Word Every Day?
If, by chance, their chosen word happens to be the Wordle word of the day, they’ll manage to solve the puzzle on the first try.
This strategy offers a slight edge over time compared to those who use a different starting word each day.
We can conclude that sticking to the same starting word over time increases the chances of eventually guessing the correct word on the first try, even though the odds are still quite low.
So, in the long run, using the same word every day may occasionally result in a first-guess win, but luck remains a significant factor in these rare successes.
II. Playing Previous Wordles Back-to-Back
When playing archived Wordle games consecutively, you may eventually guess the correct word on the first try as you might become familiar with the types of words used in previous games.
However, even in this scenario, success on the first guess is still purely a matter of luck.
Whether you consistently use the same starting word or switch it up between games, the odds remain low.
Although patterns from past games could potentially help you develop a feel for common word choices, there’s no guarantee that this will improve your chances of hitting the right word on the first try.
You may also want to check: How to Access Old Wordle Puzzles with NYT Wordle Archive
III. Coincidental Starting Word
Occasionally, players will unknowingly guess the correct Wordle word right from the start, purely by coincidence.
This is especially true if the word they begin with is a common one that happens to be the day’s answer.
In these instances, there’s no strategy involved—it’s simply a stroke of luck.
Since Wordle draws from a relatively limited pool of five-letter words, the odds are low but not impossible for this to happen.
A player might choose a familiar or frequent word without any clue that it aligns with the daily answer, leading to a surprising and exciting first-try success.
The Verdict
While players have reported getting Wordle on the first guess, it’s exceedingly rare and typically a stroke of luck.
The statistical probabilities reflect a significant challenge in achieving this outcome without prior knowledge of the word.
Thus, while it can be a source of joy and surprise for those lucky enough to experience it, claiming consistent success in this regard would be misleading.
Resourceful Reads:
Best Two Words to Start Wordle |The Absolute Best Wordle Starting and Second Word Combinations
85+ Best 3 Starting Words for Wordle That Will Always Give You a 4/6 Win