How to play AlphaLett

AlphaLett is a chain game. Pick a category, type an entry, and each answer must connect to the one before it. Repeat answers aren't allowed, and in most modes the clock is running. Here's how each mode works.

The basics

Type any valid entry from the category to start (in Random and Classic you can open with anything — the game hands you a letter after your first answer). Spelling doesn't have to be perfect: the game matches near-misses, ignores accents, and ignores leading words like "The." Every correct entry scores a point. The round ends when the 90-second timer runs out — or, in Letter by Letter, when you've finished the puzzle.

Classic

The connecting letter follows the category's own rule. For people (Athletes, Actors & Actresses) it's the first letter of the last name: play "Serena Williams" and your opponent needs a name starting with W. For everything else (Foods, Brands, Cities, Songs…) it's the last letter of the last word: play "Pizza" and the next answer starts with A.

Random

After each entry, the game picks a random letter from anywhere in your answer and highlights it. The next answer has to start with that letter. It's the same rule in every category, and it keeps you on your toes — you can't plan a route.

Letter by Letter

You're given a name — say "Derek Jeter" — and you have to name other entries from the category that start with each letter of it, in order: D, E, R, E, K, J, E, T, E, R. There's no countdown. A stopwatch runs and the fastest finisher wins. Every Daily Special is a Letter by Letter puzzle, the same for every player that day, and you get one attempt — like Wordle.

Shuffle

The category changes every turn: an athlete, then a food, then a country. The bridge letter carries across, so the chain holds even as the subject moves. You can build your own Shuffle from just the categories you pick.

Duels

Challenge a friend: you play a round, then send a link. They play the same category and mode, and you compare scores. You need a free account for Duels (it also keeps your streaks and stats).

Tips

  • Keep awkward-letter answers in reserve. Letters like Q, X and Z have very few entries in most categories.
  • You can't repeat an answer, and a letter can only come up so many times in a row, so don't burn your easy answers early.
  • Start with the daily special for a category you know, then try free play in one you don't.

Pick a category

Start playing