Free
In-App Purchases

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • November 13, 2014
  • July 27, 2026

Features

To The 9s screenshot #1 for iPhone
To The 9s screenshot #2 for iPhone
To The 9s screenshot #3 for iPhone
To The 9s screenshot #4 for iPhone
To The 9s screenshot #5 for iPhone
iphone
ipad
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About

Challenge your vocabulary by forming words from a 3x3 letter grid, always including the central red letter. Compete against yourself to discover the longest word and climb the ranks with instant dictionary feedback.

Form words from a 3x3 letter matrix
Must include central red letter
Instant Merriam-Webster dictionary feedback
Build vocabulary and increase rank
Includes British and American dictionary variations
No ads
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What's New in To The 9s

5.5

July 27, 2026

Apple's new iPadOS Version 26.2 reduced the screen area that was visible to the user in the window that allowed purchases & recoveries of new word packets. A programmatic update to the settings fixed this problem. This affected only the iPad.

More
11

In-App Purchases

$0.99

Word Packet 1

First packet of 10 challenging new words for To The 9s!

User reviews

Cannot access previous or new packets

Cannot access new packets. Tried deleting app and reloading. Message is slightly off skew on screen and won’t download any packets either previous purchases or new

Response from developer

Thanks for the input! It turns out that Apple “modernized” the purchase window by reducing the visible screen area to portrait size on the iPad. We found a workaround & Version 5.5 is out with a fix.

Great app

Perfect for keeping the mind occupied

Response from developer

Bug reports can be submitted to tech support at https://tothenineswordgame.weebly.com/contact.html. Please include a screenshot and a brief description of the problem. Thank you so much for your active participation in the To The 9s community! It would be lovely to hear what you enjoy about To The 9s. We are constantly striving to improve our content.

It’s an ‘S’ thing

Seems to be some issue where your programming for words ending in ‘s ‘ is malfunctioning. The word “thesis” is entirely valid.

Disappointed

I used the word “ablute” in the first game I played which the game doesn’t recognise
It’s hard to see why you’d play a game like this
It makes doing your best impossible
I think traditionally the game is supposed to know more words than I do

Response from developer

We triple-checked “ablute” in Oxford, Collins & Merriam-Webster & found that this format of the word is not valid. “abluted” & of course “ablution” are ok. Thanks for checking in - we use authenticated suggestions from players in all different regions to expand our dictionary. For further suggestions, please contact app support at https://tothenineswordgame.weebly.com/contact.html.

There’s no 9 letter word

To the 9s - 25/5 - there does not appear to be a 9 letter word to match this CKLMNREOO. What is it meant to be?

Response from developer

The letters do form a nine-letter word, best known in Australia & New Zealand. For more information please contact support at https://tothenineswordgame.weebly.com/contact.html

Developer apps

FAQ

What is To The 9s?

To The 9s is a word puzzle game where players create words of four or more letters from a 3x3 grid of letters, always incorporating the central red letter. The game provides instant feedback using the Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary.

How do I play To The 9s?

You tap letters in the 3x3 matrix to send them to a tray, rearrange them in the tray to form words, and then submit your word. The game includes instructions on how to drag letters and navigate between puzzles.

Is To The 9s free to play?

The app includes 10 free puzzles to start. Additional puzzles are available for purchase, indicating a free-to-play model with optional in-app purchases for more content.

What dictionaries does the app use?

The app uses the popular Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, which includes both British Commonwealth and American variations. It also mentions building a supplementary mini-dictionary for local lingo.

What are the benefits of playing To The 9s?

Playing To The 9s is a fun way to build vocabulary and improve word-forming skills. Instant feedback from a reputable dictionary helps players learn and confirm correct entries, boosting their rank as they progress.