Yesterday's Keyword Answer May 9 - The Word was "COMPLY"

Start with the columns that have the fewest choices

Each keyword letter position shows how many letters could fit. Positions with only 1-2 choices are the easiest to lock in first — they severely constrain the rest of the puzzle.

Read the vertical column as a word first

Each column of the grid spells a word with the keyword letter missing. Sound out what the column could be — the rest of the letters are visible, only the keyword letter is hidden.

The keyword is always a real English word

Once you have 3-4 letters confirmed, think of common words that fit the pattern. The keyword is never a made-up word, abbreviation, or proper noun.

Check that all columns form valid words with your guess

Before committing to a keyword answer, verify that each letter slot completes its column into a real word. If any column becomes nonsense, your keyword letter is wrong.

Fewer revealed letters = higher score

Keyword scores you on efficiency. The fewer letters you reveal before guessing the keyword correctly, the more points you earn. Aim for the minimum needed to deduce the answer.

Cross-reference intersecting columns

The keyword row intersects every column. Once you solve one column's word, its keyword letter helps validate adjacent columns. Work your way across systematically.