SYNAPSE :: HOW TO PLAY

🎯 THE CORE CONCEPT: SYNAPSE is 1-on-1 AI Word Charades! You and the AI take turns setting secret words and giving 1-word clues. The goal is to guess the hidden word in as few attempts as possible within 60 seconds.

Your Strategic Goal

Give smart 1-word clues that guide the Bot to your word, but challenge it enough to use a few attempts before time runs out!

🎮 How a Match Works (2 Rounds)

ROUND 1: You Set the Word (AI Guesses)

1. Pick a Secret Word: Enter a singular noun (3+ letters, e.g., BARK) for the AI to solve.
2. Give 1-Word Clues: Type 1-word hints (e.g., TREE or DOG). After each clue, the AI makes a guess.
3. Beat the 60s Clock: Provide enough clues for the AI to solve your word before the 60-second timer runs out!

ROUND 2: AI Sets the Word (You Guess)

1. Read the AI's Clue: The AI locks in a secret word and shows you a 1-word clue.
2. Make Your Guess: Enter a guess or request additional clues by tapping "Get Next Bot Clue".
3. Hints & Reveal: After 30 seconds, optional hints and a "Give Up" reveal button unlock if you get stuck.

💡 EXAMPLE ROUND:
• Secret Word: DOG
• Clue 1: ANIMAL ➔ Guess: "CAT" (Wrong)
• Clue 2: BARK ➔ Guess: "DOG" (Correct!)

📜 Simple Rules

5 Attempts Max: Both you and the AI get up to 5 guesses per round. Lowest total score wins!
1-Word Clues Only: Clues must be a single English word with no spaces (e.g., SUN is valid; SUNLIGHT is illegal if the word is SUN).
Singular Nouns Only (3+ Letters): Target words must be valid singular nouns of at least 3 letters. Helper words (like FOR, IN), verbs, adjectives, and plurals (like CARS) are blocked.
Hint Penalty: Each requested hint adds a +1 Turn Penalty to your guess count.