A word ladder, explained
A word ladder connects two words through a chain of valid words. You replace one letter at each step. For example, COOK → COOP → POOP takes two moves.
More than one right answer
Some word pairs have several equally short solutions. This solver shows up to six routes and uses exactly the same accepted words as the game. Familiar words are preferred when routes are equally short.
To explore a daily puzzle without a spoiler, play first. Route Lab appears after you finish and compares your own path with the shortest alternatives.