How to play
Choose a game and press Start. A full match has seven rounds: four letters rounds, two numbers rounds and a conundrum. A short match has four. Practice mode plays one kind of round as often as you like.
The clock runs for 30 seconds, as on TV. Learners can choose 45 or 60 seconds. Your answer must be in the box before the clock stops: when time runs out the box is locked, and only then do we show the best possible answers.
The ticking sound is off to start with. Switch it on with the Sound button if you want to hear the clock and the last five seconds.
The letters round
Press Vowel or Consonant nine times (or press V and C on a keyboard). You need at least three vowels and four consonants, so the buttons switch off when a choice would break that rule. Letters are drawn from piles weighted like the real game, so E and A come up often and Q, X and Z only now and then.
Type the longest word you can make, or tap the tiles. Each tile can be used once. A word scores one point for each letter, and a nine-letter word scores double: 18 points.
Words are checked against our UK English word list. Choose US in the set-up box to allow American spellings instead. Rude words are not accepted, and they never appear in the answers.
The numbers round
Choose how many large numbers you want, from none to four (25, 50, 75 and 100). The rest are small numbers, from two sets of 1 to 10. A random target from 101 to 999 appears and the clock starts.
Use the on-screen calculator: tap a number, a sign, then another number, and the answer becomes a new number you can use. Or open Type your method and write it out, such as (75 + 3) × 6 − 2. Every number can be used once at most, and every step must give a whole number above zero.
You score 10 points for hitting the target exactly, 7 for being within 5, and 5 for being within 10. After the clock stops, our solver shows a way to reach the target, or the closest anyone can get.
The conundrum and two-player games
The conundrum is a nine-letter word with its letters jumbled. Type it and buzz in before the clock stops for 10 points. You get one try.
To play a friend, choose 2 players. In the letters and numbers rounds you take turns with the same letters or numbers: the screen hides them while you pass the phone or swap seats. As on TV, only the longer word scores (both score if they are the same length), and only the closer number scores. In the conundrum both players race the same clock, buzzing with the buttons or the 1 and 2 keys.
Your best scores, longest word and round counts are saved only in this browser, so nobody needs to sign up. Clear them at any time with the button under the game.
Questions and answers
Is this the TV show Countdown?
No. Countdown is the name of a TV programme, and the name belongs to its rights holders. This is an independent practice game inspired by the letters and numbers format. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Channel 4, ITV or the makers of the programme.
Why was my word not accepted?
It must use only the letters on the board, each tile once, and be in our word list (UK spelling unless you choose US). Proper nouns, abbreviations and rude words are not accepted.
How does scoring work?
Letters: one point per letter, 18 for a nine-letter word. Numbers: 10 for the exact target, 7 within 5, 5 within 10. Conundrum: 10 points.
Can I take longer than 30 seconds?
Yes. In the set-up box choose 45 or 60 seconds. It is a good way to learn before you try the TV-style 30 seconds.
Do I need an account?
No. There is nothing to sign up for and nothing you type is sent anywhere. Your settings and scores are kept in your own browser only.