The game begins with one player writing a five-letter word horizontally in the middle row of the grid. Each player then takes turns placing a single new letter into an empty cell. After placing the letter, the player must trace a valid word that passes through the newly added letter, following adjacent cells horizontally or vertically; the path may turn at right angles but not go diagonally. The word must be in the agreed dictionary and may not duplicate previously used words. Each player keeps a list of the words they have made, and the game continues until the board is full or players cannot form more words. At the end, players compare the total number of letters in their words, and the highest total wins.

Good players start with a word rich in common vowels and consonants to create many openings. Since each move adds one letter, it is important to keep several word paths available, block promising areas to opponents, and make longer words whenever possible. Keeping track of used words helps avoid repeats.