[Bite] Wordle: Winning against the algorithm

The grey, green and yellow squares taking over social media in the last few weeks is an example of the fascinating field of study known as Game Theory.  In this bite episode of DataCafé we talk casually about Wordle - the internet phenomenon currently challenging players to guess a new five letter word each day.

Six guesses inform players what letters they have gotten right and if they are in the right place. It’s a lovely example of the different ways people approach game strategy through their choice of guesses and ways to use the information presented within the game.

Wordles

• Wordle - the original
• Absurdle - it's Wordle but it fights you!
• Nerdle - Maths Wordle
• Quordle - when one Wordle is not enough!
• Foclach - Irish Wordle

Analysis

• Statistical analysis of hard-mode Wordle with Matlab by Matt Tearle (youtube)
• The science behind Wordle by Ido Frizler (medium.com)

Some links above may require payment or login. We are not endorsing them or receiving any payment for mentioning them. They are provided as is. Often free versions of papers are available and we would encourage you to investigate.

Recording date: 15 Feb 2022

Intro music by Music 4 Video Library (Patreon supporter)

Thanks for joining us in the DataCafé. You can follow us on twitter @DataCafePodcast and feel free to contact us about anything you've heard here or think would be an interesting topic in the future.