What is DABL?
DABL is PZLR's daily score-building word puzzle. You construct five five-letter words, each with one required letter already placed, and use the displayed 1 to 5 letter values to aim for either a high or low total. The selected daily mode determines which total counts as a win.
How to play DABL
- Choose High or Low mode before starting the day's game.
- Review the five letter-value groups to plan how expensive or cheap each word should be.
- Construct five five-letter words, each incorporating its given letter.
- Edit the words until satisfied, then submit the set.
Modes
High
Build five words to reach a total score of at least 95 points.
Low
Build five words to finish at 55 points or fewer.
Reading the feedback
A valid word immediately receives a score. In High mode, a total of 95 or more wins; in Low mode, a total of 55 or less wins. After submission, Review displays every submitted word and its score, giving a direct explanation of the final total.
Tips for improving your score
For High mode, look for words that use letters placed in the highest-value group. For Low mode, avoid those letters where possible.
Use the per-word score feedback to revise a word before the final submission. The choice of mode is final for that day's run, so plan accordingly before you begin.
DABL rewards either rich high-value words or careful economy, depending on your chosen mode. The same letter values support two opposite goals, making each daily puzzle a trade-off between vocabulary and numerical strategy.