Early Guesses Are For Elimination
Early guesses that can't win can still save the game
(Published 2026-03-18)
Resist the temptation to guess a likely answer too soon. Early guesses are most valuable when they eliminate the largest number of remaining candidates — even if they can't be the answer themselves. Save precision for when the field has narrowed.
Based on our research, TEARS leads all openers in third-guess solves — proof that broad elimination pays off fast.