Can you play words with friends on an iPad two or three

It depends on whether you're referring to iPad 2 or 3 or iPad Mini 2 or 3. iPad 2 or 3, no. iPad Mini 2 or 3, yes.

Words with Friends requires iOS 11 or higher. iPad Mini 2 or 3 can run iOS 12.5.5. iPad 2 or 3 however cannot run anything higher than iOS 9.3.5.

I would highly suggest you get an even newer iPad. iPad Mini 2 and 3 are already no longer receiving updates and if Words with Friends chooses to no longer support devices from iOS 12.5.5 or lower, the device you purchase will likely no longer support the app. This is what happens with much older devices.