PLAYBOOK 03
Split families before you guess them Patterns such as _IGHT, _OUND, and _ATCH can hide several answers. Guessing one candidate at a time is expensive; a discriminator can test multiple initials or internal letters at once.
Example: the _IGHT family Possible answers
LIGHT MIGHT NIGHT RIGHT SIGHT
Weak approach
Guess LIGHT, then MIGHT, then NIGHT
Better approach
Choose a valid word that tests several initials while also serving other boards
Count candidates
Reuse the test
If a board has four or more plausible answers, solving attempts are usually inefficient. Test the differing letters first.
The ideal discriminator contains letters that also appear in unresolved patterns on other boards.
Repeated letters change the math A confirmed letter can still appear twice. When feedback seems contradictory, list the fixed positions, then check whether a second copy explains the remaining yellow or gray result. Do this before discarding a valid pattern.
Rule of thumb: test a duplicate only when at least one board supplies evidence. Early blind duplication is usually lower-value than broad coverage.
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