How to Play Nerdle - Step-by-Step Guide

Game Basics

Nerdle is a daily mathematical puzzle game where you have 6 attempts to guess a hidden equation. Each equation consists of exactly 8 characters, including numbers (0-9), mathematical operators (+, -, *, /), and an equals sign (=). The goal is to find the correct equation using logical deduction and mathematical knowledge.

Every Nerdle puzzle follows standard mathematical rules (PEMDAS/BODMAS), and the equation must be mathematically valid. This means the left side of the equation must equal the right side, and all operations must be calculated correctly.

Example Valid Equations:

• 12+34=46
• 8*7-6=50
• 15/3+2=7
• 9-2*3=3

Step-by-Step Playing Guide

1

Start Your First Guess

Begin with a strategic equation that includes common numbers and operators. Try equations like "12+34=46" or "8*9-2=70" to get maximum information from your first attempt.

2

Read the Color Feedback

After each guess, observe the colored tiles carefully. Green means correct character in correct position, yellow means correct character in wrong position, and gray means the character isn't in the solution.

3

Apply Mathematical Logic

Use the feedback to narrow down possibilities. Consider what mathematical operations could connect the numbers you've identified, and remember to follow order of operations (PEMDAS).

4

Make Strategic Guesses

Each subsequent guess should incorporate the information you've learned. Try to place known characters in their correct positions while testing new possibilities for unknown elements.

5

Refine and Solve

Continue making educated guesses based on the feedback. Most players solve the puzzle within 3-5 attempts once they understand the mathematical constraints and develop pattern recognition.

6

Learn from Each Game

Whether you solve it or not, each Nerdle game teaches valuable lessons. Note common equation patterns and mathematical relationships to improve your future performance.

Understanding the Color System

The color-coded feedback system is the key to solving Nerdle puzzles efficiently. Here's what each color means:

8

+

3

🟢 Green Tiles: The character is correct and in the right position. Keep these characters in the same spot for all future guesses.

🟡 Yellow Tiles: The character appears in the solution but is in the wrong position. You need to find where this character belongs in the equation.

⬜ Gray Tiles: The character does not appear anywhere in the solution. Eliminate these characters from future guesses.

Pro Tips and Strategies

Start with Common Numbers: Begin your guesses with frequently used numbers like 1, 2, 5, 8, and 10. These appear in many mathematical operations and can provide valuable early information.

Consider Order of Operations: Remember that Nerdle follows PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction). The equation 2+3*4=14, not 20.

Think About Patterns: Many Nerdle solutions follow common patterns like "AB+CD=EF" or "A*BC=DE". Recognizing these structures can speed up your solving process.

Use Mathematical Relationships: If you know certain numbers are in the solution, think about their mathematical relationships. For example, if 6 is present, consider factors (2*3), multiples (6*1), or sums (4+2).

Don't Forget the Equals Sign: The equals sign (=) must appear exactly once in the equation, typically in positions 6 or 7. This constraint can help you structure your guesses more effectively.