Uncommon "Lingo" Strategy - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

scol_arl_90 · 09-29-2006, 05:58 PM

I love word games, so Lingo is obviously one of my favorite game shows.

Anyone who has caught the show at least a few times probably noticed how contestants will often guess words they know don't fit the puzzle just to get letters. Sometimes the letters show up in place, other times it just tells them it's somewhere in the puzzle. It's a good strategy, imo.

However, they only change the last four letters of the word. Has anyone actually changed the first given letter of the word? For example, if the puzzle starts with an H, why not guess any random five letter word that doesn't start with H, to get one more shot at another letter that might be in the puzzle? Obviously it'll be out of place, but at least it would keep time from running out for that turn and increase your chances of getting it right.

I know it's not the biggest deal, but I've always wondered about it.

Has anyone ever thought of this or have any ideas of why contestants don't do this?

Mrgman · 10-01-2006, 06:49 PM

I asked the question on gsn and someone said that the team loses control and their opponents get a bonus letter

scol_arl_90 · 10-02-2006, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrgman

I asked the question on gsn and someone said that the team loses control and their opponents get a bonus letter

Hm. That's dumb

It works with any other letter even if it's in the right place, except the first?

Thanks for replying

Mrs. Periwinkle · 10-02-2006, 02:40 PM

My take on this is that the reason why you have to start your word with the given letter is because it would be too easy to just think of any 5-letter word. The challenge is finding words that begin with the letter "V," for example, without taking too much time. Personally, I think the rule makes sense.

09-29-2006, 05:58 PM	#1
scol_arl_90 BMW Junkie Occasional Poster Join Date: Sep 29, 2006 Posts: 56	Uncommon "Lingo" Strategy I love word games, so Lingo is obviously one of my favorite game shows. Anyone who has caught the show at least a few times probably noticed how contestants will often guess words they know don't fit the puzzle just to get letters. Sometimes the letters show up in place, other times it just tells them it's somewhere in the puzzle. It's a good strategy, imo. However, they only change the last four letters of the word. Has anyone actually changed the first given letter of the word? For example, if the puzzle starts with an H, why not guess any random five letter word that doesn't start with H, to get one more shot at another letter that might be in the puzzle? Obviously it'll be out of place, but at least it would keep time from running out for that turn and increase your chances of getting it right. I know it's not the biggest deal, but I've always wondered about it. Has anyone ever thought of this or have any ideas of why contestants don't do this?
	__________________ Morgan: Mommy, if my dolly's cold, can I put her in the toaster oven? Amy: No, honey. That would be a mistake. Morgan: Mommy? Amy: Yes? Morgan: I made a mistake.

10-01-2006, 06:49 PM	#2
Mrgman Member Forum Regular Join Date: Nov 12, 2005 Posts: 658	I asked the question on gsn and someone said that the team loses control and their opponents get a bonus letter

10-02-2006, 02:40 PM	#4
Mrs. Periwinkle Fan of Classic TV Frequent Poster Join Date: Jul 02, 2006 Location: California Posts: 204	My take on this is that the reason why you have to start your word with the given letter is because it would be too easy to just think of any 5-letter word. The challenge is finding words that begin with the letter "V," for example, without taking too much time. Personally, I think the rule makes sense.