Word Chain strategy
Before entering a word, check its final letter as well as its first. A legal answer can still be a poor move when it ends in a letter with few unused continuations. Protect flexible endings such as E, R, and T for points where the chain begins to narrow. Before submitting, scan the disclosed bank for at least one unused continuation from the proposed final letter. If none exists, the word may be legal but strategically terminal. This two-move check matters more late in the chain when many common continuations are already spent.
Planning two links ahead
MAP can move to PAPER, which then needs an R word. RIVER is legal and leaves R again, while ROAD leaves D. The better choice depends on which unused continuations remain in the displayed challenge bank, not on word length alone. From MAP, PAPER preserves an R opening. RIVER also ends in R, which can be powerful when several R words remain but dangerous when they have been used. The bank state, not a universal ranking of final letters, determines the stronger branch.
Review the chain as a route
Mark the link where you first needed a hint or had only one continuation. Build a small list of alternatives for that ending letter. The next session then tests a known weak transition instead of relying on the same memorized route. A route review should mark repeated endings, unused flexible words, and the first forced move. Build a small alternative branch from the turn before the force. Comparing the two routes shows whether earlier ending control could have preserved more choices.
