5 Easy Tips to Win the Keyword Game (Washington Post)

Haven’t play the keyword game yet? (Link in the Bottom)

Well — read this guide before you jump to play it — because you will need this to win.

If you’re someone who loves word puzzle games with a good mental challenge, the Keyword Game might just become your new favorite daily brain teaser. 

This engaging and fun game provides a fresh puzzle every day, combining the familiar elements of crosswords with a unique twist. 

Your mission? To guess a six-letter keyword that completes six horizontal words. 

Here’s everything you need to know to get started!

What is the Keyword Game?

The Keyword Game is a daily word puzzle hosted by The Washington Post.

It’s a quick, satisfying spin on traditional crosswords, where instead of filling out an entire grid, you focus on discovering a single six-letter keyword that perfectly completes six words. 

It’s the perfect blend of strategy, word knowledge, and speed.

Let’s see how to play it.

How to Play the Keyword Game

Playing the Keyword Game is easy and fun, but it does require a bit of thought and strategy. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

#1 Start Guessing

The game begins with a grid featuring six horizontal words. Each of these words is missing letters that are part of a common six-letter keyword. 

Your job is to figure out what that keyword is.

#2 Selecting Letters

Click on any square in the grid to start guessing a letter. 
As you play, the game will give you feedback through colors and symbols:

Blank Squares: 

This indicates that the letter in the square hasn’t been guessed yet.

Circles: 

If a letter is inside a circle, it means the letter appears in a selected word but is not necessarily in the correct position.

Green Squares: 

Congratulations! This means you’ve guessed the correct letter in the correct position.

Pink Squares: 

This indicates that the letter is incorrect and doesn’t fit in the word at all.

Aim for a Perfect Score

The ultimate goal of the Keyword Game is to guess the keyword in the fewest guesses and the fastest time. 

A perfect score is achieved by identifying the keyword with exactly six guesses — one for each letter of the keyword. 

This means you need to be strategic and quick with your guesses.

Tips to Improve Your Game

To help you on your journey to mastering the Keyword Game, here are some handy tips:

#1 Use Process of Elimination: 

Start with common letters like ‘E’, ‘A’, ‘R’, and ‘T’. If you guess a letter and it shows up as incorrect, you know to avoid it in subsequent guesses.

#2 Look for Patterns: 

Think about common word patterns and letter combinations in English. This can help you make more educated guesses.

#3 Leverage Circles: 

Pay close attention to letters in circles. These letters are part of the keyword, even if they aren’t in the correct spot yet. Use this information to refine your guesses.

#4 Stay Focused and Quick: 

Since speed is a factor in your score, practice making swift, strategic decisions. The more you play, the faster and more intuitive your decision-making will become.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I access the Keyword Game? 

The Keyword Game is available on The Washington Post’s website. Simply visit the site each day to find a new puzzle.

2. What if my score isn’t being recorded correctly? 

• Make sure you are signed into your Washington Post account. 
• Scores are saved across devices and browsers only when you are logged in. 
• If you’re not signed in, different devices, browsers, or privacy tools could affect your score tracking.

3. Can I play past puzzles? 

Yes, you can play previous games from the current week (Monday to Sunday). 

However, games reset every Sunday, and the previous week’s games will no longer be available after that.

4. What is the bonus level? 

• The bonus level allows you to play an additional game of Keyword per week. 
• To unlock it, achieve three perfect scores in a week while signing in to your account.

5. How can I achieve a perfect score? 

A perfect score is achieved by guessing the keyword in exactly six guesses. This requires sharp thinking, a good strategy, and a bit of luck!

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re a seasoned crossword enthusiast or a casual word game player, the Keyword Game offers a delightful and stimulating daily challenge. 

Dive into today’s puzzle, use your word power, and see if you can achieve that perfect score in record time! Happy puzzling!

By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a Keyword Game pro. Good luck!

Play the keyword game here.