Word Wipe Strategy

[BradK250887]

I see every day that the leading scorers are in the 40,000 range.  I am far from illiterate, but I rarely score above 11,000.  Is there a strategy, a technique to get more time or more words?  The enormous but consistent discrepancy is a great curiosity.  Any advice?

[linDue]

Well, now Word Wipe is wrecked—every time you advance to a new level, you're asked to view a video for 300 extra points! Really aggravating. So you have to click past that to get to the next level. It's bad enough in the Trivia games. Must every single thing that one does be an opportunity to sell? I am sick of it. Pretty soon they'll be posting ads in the Mahjongg games.

[MargaretL232169]

I am most often over 40,000 - level 17 when I play. Top score is just over 48,000. I'm shooting for 50,000 next. Here are my tips and tricks:

• Scan the board for hard to use letters like Q, X Z, etc. Try to knock those out while you have a lot of letters on the board. Or just be aware of them as you go, so you don't end up with them at the end.
• Learn words for those hard letters like: Qin, Qat, Qaf, Qua, Suq etc. It's good to have those in your head as you play, even though we don't commonly say those words - they are real.
• Know that you can clear 3 or more connecting letters that are the same. So, if you're down on time and want to clear the board, and have three letter i's in a row, you can highlight them and it will accept it as a word but give no points. It's an option if short on time.
• You have the chance to score more bonus bombs early in the game because you have less rows to clear before points work in your favor to get another bomb. So, consider NOT using a bomb to clear the board if you think you didn't do well that round. Instead save it because you can to rack up more bombs for later when you really need them in the higher fast levels. Use your bombs only when you think you have over 1500 that round is my strategy. You have to gauge that by instinct. I try to have at least 7 bombs by the end of level 10.
• Bigger words are key! Just because you see a word, doesn't mean that you can't make it even bigger. For instance, if you see the word "sand" - before you click to score that word check if there is an "er" nearby to make it "sander" or an "ed" to make it "sanded" - take a moment in those lower levels to try to find bigger words that have more point values since there is more time to do that.
• Avoid making any words less than four letters unless time starts running out on you. That game mindset helps me find bigger words from the get go. Especially in the lower levels.
• When clearing rows - be sure to think vertically too. Only got one more row to clear? What is the fastest way to do that? I used to have a top down approach when first starting this game, - going row by row. Now, I try to work all around to have a small cube of letters near the end.
• Try to clear the board automatically. For instance, if you have 6 letters left on the board, see if you can find 2 three-letter words to auto-clear the board without a bomb instead of finding a bigger 4 letter word - which leaves you only 2 letters left and having to use a bomb to clear the board. 
• Be careful placing your bombs. I've thought I've placed one over some letters and it slightly missed one letter, so I didn't clear that board level. 

[JosephF18016]

Firstly, Word Wipe takes multiple strategies to gain your goal.  There are two different goals.  One is to get as high a score as possible.  The other goal is to get as many lines cleared as is possible.  These are mutually exclusive goals.

In general Word Wipe recognizes some words that I have no idea are words. Also, it will recognize as a word any three letters that are the same, such as TTT. 

You always, regardless of the goal want to collect as many bombs as is possible so the 2 bonus bombs must be accessed every single line.  The most bombs that I have ever collected before I needed to use them were 38. If you do not break 30 bombs collected, however, the possibility of either scoring high or clearing a lot of lines is severely reduced.

I have cleared 30 lines a few times and gotten to line 32 once.  I have broken 50,000 several times and the highest score I have gotten is 52000.

The strategy for a high score is fairly simple, score between 1350-1650 each and every time, and then use the bombs to clear the board and double your score.  You must double each and every time in order to break 40,000 points.  The rest is up to the game's board layout.  Some layouts are conducive to either clearing without a bomb or gaining long words. Milestones to look for are getting either really close or breaking 15000 by line 5 and getting somewhere between 27000-30000 by line 10.  From there breaking 40,000 is fairly easy, getting to or past 50,000 is not so easy.

If the strategy is to get to or past line 30 however then bomb use management is crucial as is time and line management.  You must watch the clock. Once past line 15 the time goes down to 60 seconds.  This means you must clear as much from one side or the other in the first 30 seconds, and then start throwing bombs to break up clusters of all consonants or vowels.  Since triple letters such as EEE or XXX can be swiped do that quickly if you cannot make a word with them. Once you start throwing bombs words will appear and you can save a bomb or two by swiping the word, but time management is crucial.  That is pretty much it. 

I see scores of 100000 and I think that either a bot did that or it is a fake score or someone freezes the game and takes a screenshot figures out what they are going to do and then resumes the game.  I play strictly within the timeline and believe me time management is difficult for me to have learned and I still screw it up.

[WendeM158511]

The insanely high scores are because players who play the game on the Washington Post website are somehow mixed in with those playing it via AARP site even though the WaPo players are playing a game in which they can collect unlimited numbers of bombs. They are not playing the same game, imo, and it is wrong for AARP to include those scores. (Although I think the scores are actually from Arkadia)

WaPo allows you to literally keep collecting bombs by agreeing to watch ads. I played on WaPo just to see how it worked. I collected 22 bombs, and by that time, the game just became about bombing your way off levels. I was so bored before I got to the end that I quit the game. Raching up points that way was simply not challenging at all.

I racked up tons of points, but it seemed so pointless to play it that way. So now I just play without paying attention to the scores which are, quite honestly, rigged against the players on the AARP site.

AARP should make it clear that that is how Word Wipe works, but I'm sure they want to keep the players on the AARP site instead of losing them to WaPo.

[CamM174942]

Has anyone made it to level 20? I assume that would be the end of the game.

[ReneeB720366]

I've made it to level 20.  It's not the end of the game.

[CamM174942]

Wow, well done : ) What happens after level 20? I thought that would be the end of the game. Does the board get larger (more lines)?

[SusanM351147]

It doesn't get larger and time doesn't decrease. The rounds go on forever until you time out or run out of bombs to save the round.

[BruceT162999]

If you score less than 11,000, you're probably not using the bombs to clear the board and not clearing the board without the bombs.  If you clear the board, you double your score.  So anything you can do to clear the board is really good.  From the way you write, you seem like you're probably good enough to reliably get more than 20,000.

[BruceT162999]

1. I have never been offered "bonus bombs" and have no idea what you would do to get them.  I have gotten more than 2,000 points in a round and then was able to double that, but not because of a bonus bomb. Usually, I run out of bombs about level ten or so, but I've managed to push through far enough to score almost 40,000.  Maybe I'm stupid.  Or maybe it's because I don't have a touch screen and have to use the **** mouse.

[SusanM351147]

The bonus bombs appeared a couple of months ago, and at first I ignored them thinking I'd have to watch ads between every round. I assumed everyone was getting them! There was an update to the game around the same  time... I access it through my Washington Post subscription, don't know if that has anything to do with it - but if I want to see my score on the leaderboard I have to be logged in at WaPo. Also I do have a touch screen but actually find the mouse quicker... If you always have used the same link to get to the game, maybe try searching for it and see if you get a different version, with the extra bombs? 

[MJmtn22]

This is the answer to so many people's question about the score differential. You explain it very well and I hope others see your response. I find it a bit disingenuous that others don't relay this to others who struggle to break into the higher scores. Thank you for providing this info to others. 

So the thing to do folks, as Susan points out, is to access WordWipe on a different site. From my experience, most sites provide the bonus bombs. However there are some that still just provide a straight up game where scoring 30,000, 40,000 can be quite a challenge. Thanks again Susan and I hope this explains to folks the score discrepancies that are seen. 

I am a prime example. On a "straight" game, I can get to 40,000 pts on a good day. With bonus bombs, I have gotten to 200,000 points and quit due to the length of time it was taking. Good luck!!

[el58092270]

There are also some good tips in the "WordWipe Scoring" topic.

[SusanM351147]

I can't find the "new message" button, so maybe this is just for you, Brad. I think the trick is to take the 2 bonus bombs every time they're offered - which happens in every round! (I always assumed it was 2 per game, but no!) And beginning in Round 16 (I think) you only get 60 seconds, but the time doesn't decrease after that. I discovered the thing about the bombs today and still am not scoring that well because I can't resist making more words as time runs out. I think my last game I got around 22K and left more than 20 bombs unused. I do use the pause button sometimes... Whether or not taking extra bombs and pausing are "cheating" is up to each player, I guess. I just want to have fun, and if I occasionally make the Leaderboard I am pleased with myself... That would be the *daily* Leaderboard." If only you can see this and you want to share, please do. 

[MJmtn22]

Ahh the greed of stretching the game for that one more word as the clock winds down and we have 20 bombs sitting there waiting to be used 🙂   I had to laugh and was relieved that someone else has had the same experience as I have done many times. I have found there is skill involved when managing that many bombs in a game. 

After a while a second sense is developed on time left and I know when to start getting ready to clear the board with bombs if needed. I've heard, and used the practice, of starting on the right side of the board so that the end of the timer has letters remaining on the left side of the board closer to where the bombs are picked up. I have cleared an amazing number of letters with 2-3 seconds left on the clock due to being able to quickly grab and drop 2-3 bombs to save my board. 

The game can be as simple or complex as we want it to be with skill levels varying. Just don't get greedy for that "just one more word" like I do!!! 🙂

[ReneeB720366]

How do you get 20 bombs??

[MJmtn22]

Someone above was kind enough to explain what has happened. I'll summarize by saying that some sites provide the additional 2 bomb per round option, while others do not. Here is the gist of this person's great comment:

"The bonus bombs appeared a couple of months ago, and at first I ignored them thinking I'd have to watch ads between every round. I assumed everyone was getting them! There was an update to the game around the same  time... I access it through my Washington Post subscription, don't know if that has anything to do with it - but if I want to see my score on the leaderboard I have to be logged in at WaPo. Also I do have a touch screen but actually find the mouse quicker... If you always have used the same link to get to the game, maybe try searching for it and see if you get a different version, with the extra bombs? "

[BruceT162999]

I've never seen a bonus bomb.  Ever.  In any game, no matter what I did or how well or poorly I scored.  I've never been asked to view an ad.  Are we playing the same game?

[WendeM158511]

No, we are not playing the same game. But the scores are apparently mixed together. On the Washington Post website, you are able to collect tons of bombs in exchange for watching ads. I tried it and it honestly made for the most boring version of Word Wipe imaginable.

What challenge is there if you can just bomb your way to every level?

I find that beating my personal best with bombs that run out is much more fun than watching ads and getting as many bombs as you want. But to each his own, as is said.

[MJmtn22]

Someone above was kind enough to explain what has happened. I'll summarize by saying that some sites provide the additional 2 bomb per round option, while others do not. Here is the gist of this person's great comment:

"The bonus bombs appeared a couple of months ago, and at first I ignored them thinking I'd have to watch ads between every round. I assumed everyone was getting them! There was an update to the game around the same  time... I access it through my Washington Post subscription, don't know if that has anything to do with it - but if I want to see my score on the leaderboard I have to be logged in at WaPo. Also I do have a touch screen but actually find the mouse quicker... If you always have used the same link to get to the game, maybe try searching for it and see if you get a different version, with the extra bombs? "

[joeysback]

You don't get 2 bombs per round.  They are based on the amount of words you make after what you need to make.  If you ever had 20, you are a great wordsmith, and you should have used them to get rid of the few left-over letters at the end of rounds because wiping the board will double your score.  The time goes down each round until you hit 60 sec, I believe, then it stays there.  Usingbombs is not cheating!  It's part of the game.  I've gotten over 30K, but never 40K.  Playing for a couple years now.  Oh well.....

[MJmtn22]

Someone above was kind enough to explain what has happened. I'll summarize by saying that some sites provide the additional 2 bomb per round option, while others do not. Here is the gist of this person's great comment:

"The bonus bombs appeared a couple of months ago, and at first I ignored them thinking I'd have to watch ads between every round. I assumed everyone was getting them! There was an update to the game around the same  time... I access it through my Washington Post subscription, don't know if that has anything to do with it - but if I want to see my score on the leaderboard I have to be logged in at WaPo. Also I do have a touch screen but actually find the mouse quicker... If you always have used the same link to get to the game, maybe try searching for it and see if you get a different version, with the extra bombs? "

[SusanM351147]

I am getting 2 "bonus bombs" per round. I don't know why everybody isn't. I just scored 117, 600-something, round 94, had 5 bombs left when I failed to beat the timer. My previous high was 53K... Honestly, I was relieved when it was over. I had to keep taking breaks! And sometimes if I go to another tab the game refreshes when I go back and I have to start over, so this time I was afraid to leave. The problem is, now that I've set the bar so high for myself I'll feel like I have to beat it, If  only I could trust the **bleep** thing not to reset if I do something else! I suggested to somebody here that he look for an updated version if he's always used the same link, and maybe it'll have the extra bombs, I still don't know about those incredibly high scores, but I'm astonished at how high I got so I guess there's a way if you're really strategic. Nerves of steel would also help!

[MJmtn22]

🙂  I had to laugh at your perfect description. Getting into the hundreds of thousands DOES become an exercise in endurance and concentration and stamina!!  I think (not sure) if you let the screen with that round's summary sit without hitting the button to go to the next round, the game will hold. Like you, I hit 200,000 and my eyes were shot and it became a matter of disciplining the mind to continue to focus on the game. 

And I recently found AARP's game site with just the plain old rules without the 2 bombs per round option and battle to get to 40,000 - and it's a relief because games only last 15 - 20 minutes instead of hours. 

And YES. It DOES require "nerves of steel", doesn't it??!!   🙂

[BoiseEd]

Round 94??? Wow. I've reached 17 once or twice. Rarely have I gone past 15. Even when the letters are aligned well, the sheer mechanics of my touchpad and keyboard are a limitations. I have no idea how you get to 94. I do understand your statement "that I've set the bar so high for myself I'll feel like I have to beat it." 

[SusanM351147]

I haven't come close to that mark since, and usually finish with 20+K. Although right now I'm #46 on today's Leaderboard with 37,765. I forget what round I finished on but it was 20-something. I don't have the discipline to stop making words when I should just use the bombs or pause and strategize, and sometimes when time is almost out I get all jittery and can't even land the dang bomb on the board! ...One thing I don't like about this game is the weird letter combinations that masquerade as words. I had started a list and posted some here with definitions, but take AIA - I can't find anything except American Institute of Architects. ULU, on the other hand, is an Inuit knife, so I feel it's acceptable. Anyhow the more you play the more potential crazy words you recognize - like 'em or not.

[SusanM351147]

Try this link, which I posted earlier:

https://games.washingtonpost.com/games/word-wipe

Take the bonus bombs in every round! They say you have to watch ads, but after the first one there aren't any. I don't know if it's working for everybody - lots of views but no "kudos." I hope somebody reports back.

[SusanM351147]

I'm being offered 2 bonus bombs per round in addition to whatever I "earn." And they say you have to watch an ad, but usually there is no ad! If you do see an ad, the game resumes immediately when it ends. As for using the bombs, I've only run out a couple of times. Time for clearing enough lines is what I run out of, because I lack discipline and keep trying to make words - then I panic and don't get the bombs out fast or accurately enough. But I'm doing a lot better, scoring between 30 and 50K pretty often. As for those folks up in the 100k+ region, I have no idea... unless they're pausing long enough to work it out on paper. Getting back to the bombs, maybe it has something to do with how you access the game? I get it via my Washington Post subscription. The offer of bonus bombs every round started a few weeks ago, and I ignored it at first because I thought there would be ads every time, but nope! When I do the best it's because I pause in late rounds if I don't immediately have a word. My highest score so far is around 53K.

[el58092270]

Susan -- I think the reason you are getting all the bombs is because, as you say, you are accessing WordWipe via your Washington Post subscription. 

I went to the WaPo site and I see what you are talking about.  Access via the AARP site doesn't offer that.  That probably explains many if not most of the astronomical scores.  In just playing with it for a minute on WaPo, I had 5 bombs at Level 3.

I also use an ad blocker so that complicates things.  I'm not willing to watch the ads.

So how do you access the AARP game via WaPo?