Letter Boxed is a word puzzle game by The New York Times that challenges you to form words using the letters arranged on the sides of a square. The goal is to use all the letters while alternating between sides of the square.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to play Letter Boxed:
1. Understanding the Grid:
- The puzzle consists of a square with three letters on each side, for a total of 12 letters.
- Your task is to create words by alternating letters between sides of the square.
2. Basic Rules:
- Words must be at least three letters long.
- You can only select letters from different sides of the square, not from the same side. For example, if a side has the letters “A, B, C,” you cannot create a word that uses two of those letters consecutively.
- The word you create must use one letter from a side, and the next letter must come from another side.
- Once you use a letter, you can’t use it again in the same word.
3. Goal of the Game:
- The goal is to use all 12 letters.
- You must form one or more words that connect all the letters, alternating sides of the square.
- Ideally, you should aim to solve the puzzle in two words (though more can be used if needed).
4. Example:
Let’s say the sides of the square have the following letters:
- Top: A, B, C
- Right: D, E, F
- Bottom: G, H, I
- Left: J, K, L
One possible solution could be:
- First word: “CAGED” (C from the top, A from the left, G from the bottom, E from the right, D from the right)
- Second word: “BILK” (B from the top, I from the bottom, L from the left, K from the left)
This way, all the letters from the sides have been used, alternating sides each time.
5. Hints and Strategies:
- Try to form longer words first, as they can help you use more letters quickly.
- Think of common prefixes, suffixes, or root words to form words.
- Look for patterns where the word you form can help you build the next word using the remaining letters.
- Remember, switching between sides is essential, so visualize how the word will jump from one side of the square to the next.
6. Finishing the Puzzle:
- Once you’ve used all the letters by alternating sides and forming valid words, you’ve solved the puzzle.
- If you get stuck, you can always click for a hint or reset to try different word combinations.
That’s the basic way to play Letter Boxed on NYT! With practice, you’ll develop strategies to solve the puzzles more efficiently.