Official rules
Official WordSQD Rules
These rules settle how WordSQD validates answers, scores rounds, and ranks Daily Challenge results.
Rule 1: preserve letter order
If the prompt is TMR, TIMER is valid because T comes before M and M comes before R. METER is invalid because M appears before T.
Rule 2: use one real English word
Answers must be a single dictionary word. Standard playable forms can work when the dictionary contains them. Random strings and fragments fail.
Proper nouns, names, and brands
WordSQD lowercases every letters-only submission and checks exact dictionary membership. The validator does not separately classify names, places, brands, abbreviations, or acronyms. If a lowercase spelling appears in the current dictionary and passes the letter-order rule, the server accepts it.
Plurals and inflected forms
Plural and inflected forms are accepted only when present in the WordSQD dictionary. DOGS can work for DGS if the dictionary validates it; a made-up plural will not.
Punctuation and hyphens
Submit plain letters. Hyphenated words, apostrophes, spaces, and punctuation are rejected by the input rules or dictionary check.
Abbreviations and acronyms
The validator has no separate abbreviation classifier. A letters-only spelling passes or fails according to current dictionary membership and the required-letter order.
Duplicate letters
Repeated prompt letters require repeated appearances. For ALL, ALLEY is valid; ALONE is invalid because it supplies only one L after A.
Forbidden mode
Forbidden mode keeps the usual order rule and adds three blocked letters. If A is forbidden, BRAID fails even if it preserves the required B-R-D pattern.
Validation behavior
The browser helps with input, but official saves, Daily scores, and challenges use server verification. If the server rejects a word, it does not count as an official correct answer.
Ties and leaderboards
Daily leaderboard rows show rank, display name, score, best combo, and longest-word length. The public board avoids showing words for the live Daily so it does not spoil the challenge.
Daily Challenge
The Daily board resets at midnight Central Time. Guest play is allowed, but leaderboard placement requires an account. The first completed Daily score for a logged-in player is the official score for that day.