Poople #392 — September 10, 2026 (RACE)
Start word RACE · Par 6 · Medium
Three hints, one at a time
Show the par
The shortest route takes 6 steps.
Show a positional tip
Start by changing letter 1, counting from the left.
Show the first bridge word
LACE
Full path
- Start Starting word
- 01 Letter 1: R → L
- 02 Letter 4: E → K
- 03 Letter 2: A → O
- 04 Letter 3: C → O
- 05 Letter 4: K → P
- 06 Letter 1: L → P
6 steps
The first step has 14 legal moves; 5 keep a shortest route to POOP.
Breadth-first search checks shorter distances before reaching POOP. A separate search verifies the minimum using the same accepted vocabulary. Every move changes one letter. Our word list may differ from the official game, so its shortest route may differ too.
Some puzzles have several equally short routes. We show the one our BFS returns, using a fixed alphabetical tie-break.
Bridge words
- LACE
- noun. Delicate fabric made with an open pattern of threads.
- LACK
- noun. The absence or shortage of something needed.
- LOCK
- noun. A fastening device opened with a key or combination.
- LOOK
- verb. To direct your eyes toward something.
- LOOP
- noun. A curved line or cord that doubles back on itself.