Poople #159 Answer: HAVE to POOP
January 20, 2026 · Medium · 6 moves
Full solution
The shortest path from HAVE to POOP takes 6 moves.
Shortest path
- Step 1HAVECAVE1st letter, H to C
- Step 2CAVECOVE2nd letter, A to O
- Step 3COVECOME3rd letter, V to M
- Step 4COMEPOME1st letter, C to P
- Step 5POMEPOMP4th letter, E to P
- Step 6POMPPOOP3rd letter, M to O
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About this puzzle
Par 6 of 11. Rated Medium.
20 or more distinct shortest paths from HAVE to POOP.
HAVE connects to 15 other valid words.
The shortest routes split after move 1 and never agree again before POOP.
Harder than #158 (JAMS, par 5) by 1 move(s). #158 JAMS
Harder than #160 (ROSY, par 5) by 1 move(s). #160 ROSY
How the routes branch
Right after HAVE, 5 different words keep the route just as short: CAVE, HALE, HARE, PAVE, SAVE. None of them rejoin the others before POOP.(Based on the 20+ shortest routes we found; more may exist.)
This ladder from HAVE to POOP is a real head-scratcher. That journey through COVE and COME looks like a poetic detour to the finish.
Bridge words
- HAVE(verb)
- possess, own, hold, or experience something
- CAVE(noun)
- A natural underground hollow or series of chambers open to the surface.
- COVE(noun)
- A small, sheltered inlet or bay on a coastline.
- COME(verb)
- move or travel toward or into a place
- POME(noun)
- A fleshy fruit with a core, such as an apple or pear.
- POMP(noun)
- Grand and showy ceremonial display.
First moves from HAVE
HAVE has 15 legal first moves. 5 of them stay on a shortest path to POOP.
Stays on the shortest path: 5 moves left to POOP.
Costs one extra move: 7 moves total to POOP.
Stuck on a different word?
Enter your current 4-letter word for the shortest path to POOP.
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Play todayFAQ
What is the Poople #159 answer?
The #159 start word is HAVE. One shortest path to POOP takes 6 moves: HAVE -> CAVE -> COVE -> COME -> POME -> POMP -> POOP.
Why are there so many solutions for HAVE to POOP?
There are at least 20 shortest solutions for today’s puzzle, which is a large number. This is because the word HAVE has 15 valid neighbors, offering many different starting paths to POOP. For example, you can begin with CAVE, HALE, HARE, PAVE, or SAVE, all of which lead to a shortest solution.
Is it possible to reach POOP from HAVE in fewer than 6 moves?
No, it is not possible to reach POOP from HAVE in fewer than 6 moves. All listed shortest solutions require 6 steps to transform HAVE into POOP. For instance, the path HAVE -> HALE -> HALT -> HOLT -> HOOT -> HOOP -> POOP is a 6-move solution.
What is a POME?
A POME is a type of fleshy fruit with a core, such as an apple or a pear. This word appears in several solutions, including HAVE -> HALE -> HOLE -> HOME -> POME -> POMP -> POOP. It’s a key step in reaching POMP on the way to POOP.
What happens if I start with a word like HATE or LAVE?
If you start with a word like HATE or LAVE, your path to POOP will be one move longer than the shortest solutions. While these are valid first moves from HAVE, they add an extra step to your journey. For example, choosing HATE will result in a 7-move solution instead of 6.