Yes, I can be a bit of a nerd. As a writer I am obsessed with words and I start each day with games from the New York Times to get the old brain ticking. First among them is Wordle (which is also available to be played by non-subscribers).It is a word guessing game that gives you clues to get a result.

Your starting word determines much of your success and some days are luckier starts than others. The Times has created a brutal program (Wordlebot) that is exceptional at solving each days puzzle but it too is dependent on how they start in relation between the starting word and final solution. Sometimes I do well in comparison and sometimes I stink. I use the word AROSE that I learned from New York Times Puzzle Editor Will Shortz (and is generally used by just 0.7% of solvers). And the Times unblinkingly reveals the solving proficiency of you, Wordlebot, and other solvers. Sometimes I trail and sometimes I soar. I only crow about it here when I am on a winning streak. Read ’em and weep…