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.
Related terms
Wordle Opener
The first guess played in a Wordle puzzle, typically chosen to maximize information gain about common letters.
TermProbability Play
Decision-making that explicitly weighs the probability of future tile draws against immediate scoring.
Written and reviewed by
Keiron Brown, Psy.D.
Clinical Psychologist · Founder & Editor, WordRushTools
Relationale LLC · 5530 S. University Drive, 3212, Davie, FL 33328
Keiron Brown, Psy.D., is a clinical psychologist and the founder of Relationale LLC, which publishes WordRushTools. His doctorate is in psychology, which is directly relevant to the site's material on vocabulary learning, memory and practice; the Scrabble, crossword and solver content rests on published word lists and reference works, not on clinical expertise.
Last reviewed: by Keiron Brown. Reference and strategy pages are reviewed annually, and sooner where the underlying word lists change.
Not a clinical or educational service: Nothing on WordRushTools is intended or designed to be, or to replace, mental health services, psychological assessment or treatment, diagnosis, therapy, or educational or special-education services. Word games are not a treatment for any condition, and we make no claim that playing them prevents cognitive decline.