Poople #403 — September 21, 2026 (PETS)

Start word PETS · Par 5 · Easy

Three hints, one at a time

Show the par

The shortest route takes 5 steps.

Show a positional tip

Start by changing letter 1, counting from the left.

Show the first bridge word

BETS

Full path

  1. Start Starting word
  2. 01 Letter 1: P → B
  3. 02 Letter 2: E → O
  4. 03 Letter 3: T → O
  5. 04 Letter 4: S → P
  6. 05 Letter 1: B → P

5 steps

The first step has 19 legal moves; 3 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

BETS
noun. Wagers placed on uncertain outcomes; plural of bet.
BOTS
noun. Programs that automatically carry out repetitive tasks.
BOOS
noun. Shouts expressing disapproval.
BOOP
verb. To give someone or something a brief, light touch.