The rules the solver follows
- Words are at least three letters long and use only letters from the box.
- Two letters in a row can't come from the same side.
- Each new word starts with the last letter of the word before it.
- You win when every one of the twelve letters has been used at least once.
How to use it
- Enter the letters side by side: top, right, bottom, left. Order within a side doesn't matter.
- Look at Shortest solutions. One- and two-word chains come first, and everyday words rank above rare ones.
- If you'd rather solve it yourself, skip the solutions and browse Every valid word for ideas.
Strategy for fewer words
- Start with awkward letters. Letters like J, Q, X, Z or V are hardest to place, so find a long word that uses them first.
- End on a common letter. Words ending in E, S, T or D leave you more options for the next word.
- Think in pairs. A long first word that covers eight or nine letters often leaves a short word to finish.
About the results
Solutions come from ENABLE, an open word list, which includes some rare words the puzzle may not accept. That's why common words are ranked first. The solver searches one- and two-word chains; most puzzles have one. See our word list.
Questions people ask
Does this show today's answer?
No. It solves the box you type in. We don't publish daily puzzle answers.
Why does a solution use a word I don't know?
Our list includes rare words. Everyday words are ranked first; if the puzzle rejects a word, try the next solution.
What if there is no two-word solution?
The list of valid words is still shown. Build a three-word chain from it, starting with a word that uses the hardest letters.
Is TileFinch connected to The New York Times?
No. TileFinch is independent and not affiliated with The New York Times or its games.