Poople #168 Answer: PINE to POOP
January 29, 2026 · Easy · 5 moves
Full solution
The shortest path from PINE to POOP takes 5 moves.
Shortest path
- Step 1PINEPIKE3rd letter, N to K
- Step 2PIKEPOKE2nd letter, I to O
- Step 3POKEPOME3rd letter, K to M
- Step 4POMEPOMP4th letter, E to P
- Step 5POMPPOOP3rd letter, M to O
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About this puzzle
Par 5 of 11. Rated Easy.
5 distinct shortest path(s) from PINE to POOP.
PINE connects to 20 other valid words.
The shortest routes split after move 1 and never agree again before POOP.
Easier than #167 (PINT, par 6) by 1 move(s). #167 PINT
Easier than #169 (QUAD, par 8) by 3 move(s). #169 QUAD
How the routes branch
Right after PINE, 3 different words keep the route just as short: PIKE, PILE, PIPE. None of them rejoin the others before POOP.
That "poke" to "pome" step is a real head-scratcher! This ladder starts strong, then takes a bizarre turn.
Bridge words
- PINE(noun)
- An evergreen tree with needle-like leaves and woody cones.
- PIKE(noun)
- a long, pointed weapon or a freshwater fish
- POKE(verb)
- to prod or push something with a finger or pointed object
- POME(noun)
- A fleshy fruit with a core, such as an apple or pear.
- POMP(noun)
- Grand and showy ceremonial display.
First moves from PINE
PINE has 20 legal first moves. 3 of them stay on a shortest path to POOP.
Stays on the shortest path: 4 moves left to POOP.
Costs one extra move: 6 moves total to POOP.
Costs two extra moves: 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 #168 answer?
The #168 start word is PINE. One shortest path to POOP takes 5 moves: PINE -> PIKE -> POKE -> POME -> POMP -> POOP.
What are all the first moves from PINE that lead to a shortest solution?
There are three first moves from PINE that lead to a shortest solution: PIKE, PILE, and PIPE. Each of these moves allows you to reach POOP in the par of 5 moves.
Are there any first moves from PINE that make the puzzle significantly longer?
Yes, several first moves from PINE add extra steps to the puzzle. For example, moving to FINE, KINE, MINE, NINE, PINA, PING, PINK, PINT, SINE, VINE, WINE, or ZINE will each add two extra moves to the solution, making it 7 moves long.
The words POME and POMP appear in all the shortest solutions. What do these words mean?
POME refers to a fleshy fruit with a core, like an apple or pear. POMP describes a grand and showy ceremonial display. These two words are crucial for reaching POOP in the shortest paths from PINE.
How many words can PINE change into in just one letter?
PINE can change into 20 different valid four-letter words by changing a single letter. While many of these lead to longer solutions, PIKE, PILE, and PIPE are the only ones that keep you on track for the shortest path.