Error rates

[Tom44]

Hello everyone

I am a newbie (first week playing the game).  I do well when I first start, but as time passes I start making rejected word choices and often get below 70% correct.  I have two questions about that:  First, is this typical?  That is, what kind of error rates do you end up with?  Second, does this count against you in any way?

Thanks for any responses.

TR

[biggerbirdbrain]

If you take this game for its enjoyment and challenges, tcr, there are no winners, losers, just daily goals of achievement for yourself.

But, technically, yes, I guess the error rate does drop you down a bit in the ratings. If you and someone else get the same number of words, but your hit rate is higher, it will usually place you above them in the order (howerver, rosettes, and multiple 9-letter words also affect the standings as well).

We all have our "good" and "off" days, mate. It's just that your hit rate will continue to improve as your skill level rises. That just comes from frequent repetition. Learning all the billions and billions of God-forsaken rare words, memorizing the Chi word lists that Alan has so graciously provided, and playing every other puzzle (under "your puzzles) every second of every day for the rest of your natural life! 

Otherwise, don't take it too seriously. Actually, the forum's at least as much fun as the game -- and is often filled with fascinating and unusual conversations that span the gamut from the really ridiculous and silly, to sometimes, nearly sublime.

We come from all corners of the world, and I've made several really rewarding friendships here. I have learned tons about their countries, food, and of course, those quirky little things that give each region, and individual, their unique flavor!

ENJOY! 

[technomc]

Well said threeb....

Ditto the above...

[Alan W]

As Threeb says, the hit rate can play a minor role in determining your position on the scoreboard, but only when it is visible on the scoreboard. So when you play the Standard puzzle, your hit rate is not visible to anyone else and it plays no role in sorting the scores. It also plays no role in sorting the scores in the Challenge puzzle if you have selected the option of not counting rare words.

But when you play the Challenge puzzle and are showing rare words in the scores, the hit rate will be used to separate two players who have the same number of words and the same number of stars (nine-letter words).

But - as Threeb also says - it's up to you what you aim for, and players have a variety of attitudes towards the hit rate. There are some people who try for a 100% hit rate, and kick themselves if they have a single word rejected. But there are others who give the hit rate no heed at all, and experiment freely with plausible looking letter sequences. (And of course, if they get even one extra word through this approach, they will be higher on the scoreboard than they otherwise would have been.)

[technomc]

Blimey, if we only tried 'plausible looking letter sequences' i doubt i would get over 20 words or so....

[roberts]

...like what T 'said' 

[technomc]

Oh...you are such a trier roberts.....

tcr - if you want to know about hit rates, roberts is the guy [?] to ask...bless his cottons, he tries so hard everyday, and does very very well, but his hit rate is not so good - for exactly the reasons Viral mentioned.... 'plausible looking letter sequences'