What is the word chain game?
The word chain game is a puzzle where words connect like links in a chain. In this daily word chain, each pair of neighbouring words makes a compound word, such as SUN and FLOWER making SUNFLOWER.
Play the word chain game online free. A new chain arrives every day at midnight Toronto time, and Unlimited mode gives you another chain whenever you want one.
Every chain is checked so that each missing word has only one answer that fits its first letter and length. Your daily streak, win rate and perfect games are saved in your browser.
| Words per chain | 6 (4 to guess) |
|---|---|
| Lives | 5 |
| Clue | First letter and length |
| New chain | Every day at midnight, Toronto time |
| Modes | Daily and Unlimited |
| Price | Free, no download |
Word chain game examples with answers
Try these before you peek at the answers. Each arrow is a compound word.
| Puzzle | Answer | Compound words |
|---|---|---|
| SNOW → B___ → R___ → MATE | BALL, ROOM | snowball, ballroom, roommate |
| SUN → F_____ → P__ → LUCK | FLOWER, POT | sunflower, flowerpot, potluck |
| RAIN → D___ → O__ → SIDE | DROP, OUT | raindrop, dropout, outside |
| FIRE → W___ → S___ → KEEPER | WORK, SHOP | firework, workshop, shopkeeper |
Word chain game tips
Work from both ends
The word must fit the word above and the word below, so check both.
Think of common pairs
House, ball, light, work, fire and water join with lots of other words.
Count the letters
The length is shown, so rule out ideas that are too long or too short.
Try both orders
A word can be the front or the back of a compound, like FIRE in FIREWORK and CAMPFIRE.
Save your lives
Use Reveal a letter only when you are truly stuck. A guess might get it right for free.
Say it out loud
Compound words often sound right before they look right.
Why play a daily word chain?
A word chain takes just a few minutes, and it trains the same skill as a good crossword: seeing how words fit together. Compound words are everywhere in English, from FOOTBALL to NEWSPAPER, so the more chains you play, the faster you spot the links. It is also a fun daily habit to share with friends, because everyone gets the same chain.
Classic word chain game rules for groups and kids
There is also a spoken word chain game for car trips and classrooms. The first player says a word, and the next player says a word that starts with the last letter of it: APPLE, EGG, GOAT, TIGER. No repeats, and if you get stuck, you are out. Pick a theme such as animals or food to make it easier for kids.