TL;DR
A to Z is a browser word puzzle that asks players to find 15 words inside a given category using letter tiles that carry two numeric hints. The game surfaced as a Show HN post and emphasizes multi-word answers, a two-hint limit, and UI affordances like shuffling and grayed-out unused letters.
What happened
A simple online word game called A to Z presents category-based puzzles where players must locate 15 valid answers. Each letter tile in the game displays two small numbers: a top-right figure showing how many answers start with that letter, and a superscript bottom-right indicating the maximum number of words any single answer beginning with that letter can contain. Players enter multi-word answers with spaces (for example, SAN FRANCISCO). The interface allows unlimited guessing attempts, offers up to two hints per puzzle, and includes a shuffle control that reorders letters by frequency. Grayed-out letters signal that no valid answers begin with those letters. Sample categories visible in the interface include US Cities and Island Nations; a running counter shows how many words have been found and a timer tracks elapsed time.
Why it matters
- Tile-based numeric cues let players reason about answer distribution without exposing solutions directly.
- Support for multi-word entries and explicit formatting guidance reduces input friction for place-name categories.
- A low hint allowance and unlimited attempts encourage puzzle-solving while limiting automated brute-force approaches.
- UI elements like shuffle and grayed-out letters provide lightweight discovery tools that shape player strategy.
Key facts
- The game is titled A to Z and is reachable at a26z.fun.
- Each puzzle asks players to find 15 words within a named category.
- Letter tiles carry two numbers: top-right = how many answers start with that letter; bottom-right (superscript) = maximum words in a single answer beginning with that letter.
- Multi-word answers must be typed with spaces (example shown: NEW YORK or SAN FRANCISCO).
- Players may make unlimited attempts to find all answers.
- Players may use up to two hints per puzzle.
- A shuffle icon reorders letters by frequency.
- Grayed-out letters indicate letters that have no valid answers in the current puzzle.
- Interface examples in the source show categories such as US Cities and Island Nations and display a timer and found-word counter.
What to watch next
- Whether the creator will expand category sets, difficulty levels, or add sharing/leaderboard features — not confirmed in the source.
- Plans for mobile app packaging, native releases, or app-store distribution — not confirmed in the source.
- Any updates to hint mechanics, accessibility features, or localization support — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Letter tile: A UI element representing an initial letter; shows metadata about how many answers start with that letter and the word-count limit for those answers.
- Multi-word answer: A puzzle solution composed of two or more words which must be entered with spaces between words.
- Shuffle: A control that reorders visible letters, typically to help players see letters in a different pattern or frequency order.
- Hint: A limited-use assistance feature that provides help toward finding answers; the game allows up to two hints per puzzle.
Reader FAQ
How many answers are in each puzzle?
Each puzzle requires finding 15 words.
What do the two numbers on each letter tile mean?
Top-right number = count of answers that start with that letter; bottom-right superscript = maximum number of words in any answer starting with that letter.
Can I get help if I get stuck?
Yes. The interface lets players use up to two hints per puzzle.
Who built A to Z and is there a mobile app?
Not confirmed in the source.
a 26 z a z a to z HOW TO PLAY A 1 M 1 N 2 2 S 2 2 T P 1 Category: US CITIES. Top-right # =…
Sources
- Show HN: A to Z – A word game I built from a childhood road trip memory
- Ten Fun (and Educational) Road Trip Word Games
- Road Trip Games
- 30 Printable Road Trip Games & Checklists
Related posts
- Finnish team develops low‑temperature CO₂‑capture liquid for DAC scale‑up
- Claude Code Emergent Behavior — What Happens When Skills Combine
- Election Deniers Claim Venezuela Operation Proves 2020 Vote Was Stolen