Sifter

Sifter is a calm word hunt on a grid of letters. You draw a line through letters that touch each other to spell a word. Longer words are worth more points. Each day also hides one key word behind a small riddle clue, and finding it earns a bonus. Everyone gets the same grid.

How to play

1. You get 16 letters, four across and four down, plus a riddle clue for the day’s key word.
2. Press a letter and drag to letters next to it, corners included, to spell a word. Each square can only be used once in a word.
3. Let go to send the word in. Words need three letters or more. Three and four letters are worth 1 point, then 2, 3, 5 and 11 points for five, six, seven, and eight or more letters.
4. Tap “Done for today” when you have had enough. The key word adds five points on top of what its letters are worth.

Scoring and streaks

• Finding one word keeps your streak going and earns a star.
• Reaching 12 points, or finding the key word, earns two stars.
• Finding the key word and reaching 15 points earns three stars.

Sharing your result

When you finish, you get a spoiler-free badge to share. It shows how you did, never the answer, so friends can be curious without spoiling their own puzzle.

Common questions

Is everyone’s grid the same?

Yes. Every player gets the same 16 letters each day.

What counts as a word?

Any everyday English word of three letters or more, spelled by stepping from each letter to one touching it, corners included. You cannot use the same square twice in one word.

Do I have to find the key word?

No. Any words you find will finish the day. The key word is a bonus that adds points and a star.