How to Play Word Ladder

The objective

Transform the start word into the target using valid words and exactly one changed letter per move.

How to play Word Ladder

1. 01

   Read the start and target words and compare the letters that differ.

2. 02

   Enter a valid word of the same length that changes exactly one letter from the current word.

3. 03

   Submit the entry to add it to your path. If it is not valid or changes too many letters, revise it.

4. 04

   Continue with another one-letter change until the target word is reached.

5. 05

   Use Hint when you need help, Undo to remove the last move, or Start over to plan a different route.

Word Ladder rules

• Every word in the ladder must have the same length as the start and target words.
• Each move changes exactly one letter in the current word.
• Every intermediate entry must be an accepted word.
• The shortest route is shown as par, but another valid route may also solve the puzzle.

Word Ladder tips and strategy

• Compare the start and target letter by letter to see which positions must eventually change.
• Look for bridge words that move one position closer to the target without creating an invalid word.
• Avoid changing a letter back and forth unless it opens a useful route.
• Plan two or three steps ahead and use the undo control to explore alternatives.