Information Gain
A concept from information theory measuring how much a decision or guess reduces remaining uncertainty.
Why it matters
Information gain underlies optimal play in Wordle, Mastermind, and similar deduction games. Every guess can be ranked by expected information.
Examples
- A Wordle opener that distinguishes 50% of candidates yields ~1 bit of information
Best practices
- Prefer guesses that maximize information per turn
- Quantify, don't intuit, when the stakes are high
Frequently asked questions
Is information gain important for beginners?
information gain matters at every skill level, but beginners benefit most from understanding the basic concept rather than every edge case. Building a working mental model of information gain early prevents recurring mistakes in deduction games.
How do I practice information gain effectively?
Practice information gain through deliberate isolation drills first, then through integrated play. Two short focused sessions per week will yield steady measurable gains within a month.
Where can I read more about information gain?
Cross-reference the related terms below and explore the academy articles linked from this entry; both provide deeper applied context for information gain.