NumberGlyph strategy guide: from beginner to consistent solver
NumberGlyph looks simple — guess the number in 6 tries. But there's real strategy hiding under the surface. This guide breaks down exactly how to use Shape, Σ, and the optional clues to solve puzzles faster and more consistently.
Quick refresher: how NumberGlyph works
You're guessing a secret number. After each guess, you get Wordle-style tile feedback:
You also get two free clues: Σ (sum of all digits) and Shape (the up/down pattern between consecutive digits). Four optional clues can be revealed by tapping: O/E, P, U, and Σ².
The two clues you always get
Σ (Sum)
The sum of all digits. If the number is 6081, Σ = 6+0+8+1 = 15. This immediately narrows your search space. A low sum means lots of small digits or zeros. A high sum means bigger digits.
Shape
Compares each digit to the next. > means "goes down", < means "goes up", = means "same". For 6081: 6>0, 0<8, 8>1 → Shape is ><>. This is your most powerful constraint.
Understanding Shape (your secret weapon)
Shape is the key to solving NumberGlyph efficiently. Once you internalise it, puzzles click much faster.
Think of Shape as a fingerprint. Even if you know nothing else, Shape tells you the structure of the number. Let's say Shape is <<< (for a 4-digit number). That means each digit is bigger than the previous one — the number is strictly ascending. So 1234 fits, but 4321 doesn't.
Pro tip: Before you guess, mentally check if your number matches the Shape. This single habit will save you wasted guesses.
The four optional clues (and when to use them)
These are hidden by default. Tap to reveal them when you need extra help narrowing down.
O/E (Odd/Even)
Shows whether each position is odd (O) or even (E). For 6081: E-E-E-O. Best for: When you've got the Shape down but need to narrow digit options per slot.
P (Prime digits)
Counts how many digits are prime (2, 3, 5, or 7). For 6081: only 0 primes. Best for: Ruling out or confirming presence of 2, 3, 5, 7.
U (Unique count)
How many different digits appear. For 6081: 4 unique. For 5525: 2 unique. Best for: Knowing if digits repeat (low U) or are all different (high U).
Σ² (Sum of squares)
Sum of each digit squared. For 6081: 36+0+64+1 = 101. Best for: Distinguishing between numbers with the same Σ but different digit distributions.
When to reveal: I usually wait until guess 2 or 3. By then, you've got some tile feedback to combine with the clues. Revealing O/E early is often the highest value — it cuts your options roughly in half per position.
Opening strategy: your first guess
Your first guess should maximise information. Here's what to consider:
Use the Shape
Your first guess must match the Shape. Don't waste a guess on something structurally impossible. If Shape is <<<, guess an ascending number.
Hit the Σ
Try to guess digits that add up to (or close to) the given Σ. If Σ is 15, don't guess 9874 (sum = 28).
Spread your digits
Use a variety of digits to maximise information. If you guess 1111, you only learn about one digit. Guess 1357 instead.
Mid-game: narrowing down
After your first guess, you've got tile feedback. Now the real work begins.
Green tiles: lock them in
🟩 means you've got the right digit in the right spot. Keep it there. Focus your thinking on the remaining positions.
Yellow tiles: reposition
🟨 means the digit exists but in a different slot. Use Shape to figure out where it could legally go. If Shape says position 2 must be bigger than position 1, and your yellow digit is 3, it can only go where the constraints allow.
Gray tiles: eliminate
⬛ means that digit isn't in the number at all. Cross it off mentally. Don't guess it again.
Advanced: using Σ² to distinguish similar numbers
Here's where it gets interesting. Two numbers can have the same Σ (sum) but very different Σ² (sum of squares). This helps when you've narrowed it down but have multiple candidates.
If you're stuck between a few options, reveal Σ² and do quick mental maths. It often immediately rules out all but one candidate.
Mode differences: Easy, Medium, Hard
Easy (4 digits)
Fewer digits = fewer possibilities. Shape has 3 symbols. Good for learning the mechanics. Most solvable in 3-4 guesses once you get the hang of it.
Medium (5 digits)
The sweet spot. Shape has 4 symbols. More complex but still very manageable. Usually takes 3-5 guesses.
Hard (6 digits)
Shape has 5 symbols. More digits to track. The optional clues become more valuable here. Expect 4-6 guesses on average.
Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)
Ignoring Shape
The #1 mistake. Always check your guess matches Shape before submitting. It's free information — use it.
Forgetting gray digits
If a digit came back ⬛, it's not in the number. Don't accidentally include it in later guesses.
Revealing clues too early
The optional clues are most useful when you've already got some tile feedback. Revealing everything on guess 1 can be overwhelming.
The mental checklist
Before every guess, run through this:
This takes 5 seconds and prevents most wasted guesses.
Practice makes automatic
Like any skill, NumberGlyph gets easier the more you play. The Shape-checking becomes instant. The Σ mental maths speeds up. You start seeing patterns without thinking.
That's the whole point — a small daily rep that sharpens your constraint-tracking and logical elimination. The strategy becomes second nature.
Got a tip I missed? DM me on X @numberglyph — I'll add the good ones.