Wordle Hint: Clues for February 22, 2026 NYT puzzle #1709
This wordle hint for the February 22, 2026 NYT puzzle #1709: the puzzle starts with the letter A, a concrete lead that can shorten your run of guesses before the answer is revealed.
Wordle Hint: the first letter and what that means
The day’s puzzle for February 22, 2026, identified as puzzle #1709, begins with A — a single, solid anchor for players working through their second or third guesses. Starting with A removes one common uncertainty: place that vowel early and you can test endings and consonant clusters more quickly.
How to shape your first and early guesses
If you prefer a strategic opening rather than a personal favorite, pick a starting word that includes at least two different vowels and a couple of common consonants. The guidance in the clues recommends pairing two vowels with letters like S, T, R or N so you can confirm or eliminate frequent phonetic patterns on your first turn.
For players seeking a stiffer challenge, Wordle’s Hard Mode remains available as an option; enabling Hard Mode forces you to use any confirmed letters in subsequent guesses, which can speed discovery of puzzle #1709’s placement once A is locked in.
Origins, archives and the wider Wordle family
Wordle was created by engineer Josh Wardle, and the game later moved to; that move included a change in how past puzzles are accessed. The original public archive was taken down, and then rolled out its own Wordle Archive that is available to NYT Games subscribers.
The single-player daily puzzle has also inspired offshoots and fan variations, with names such as Squabble, Heardle, Dordle and Quordle appearing in the ecosystem. Social platforms have picked up the phenomenon: creators on TikTok livestream gameplay of daily puzzles and variations.
Last guesses and the next puzzle
Players getting in their final attempts have been reminded that this is their last chance to solve the February 22 puzzle before the answer is posted. If you don’t crack puzzle #1709 today, the routine is unchanged: a new Wordle appears the following day and provides a fresh five-letter challenge.
For those who want a quicker path, remember the concrete clues offered here: puzzle #1709 starts with A; consider first words with two different vowels plus common consonants S, T, R or N; and use Hard Mode if you want confirmed letters to constrain later guesses. There will be a new Wordle tomorrow, and additional hints and guidance will be available then for the next daily puzzle.
