Poople #204 Answer: LAKE to POOP
March 6, 2026 · Medium · 6 moves
Full solution
The shortest path from LAKE to POOP takes 6 moves.
Shortest path
- Step 1LAKECAKE1st letter, L to C
- Step 2CAKECOKE2nd letter, A to O
- Step 3COKEPOKE1st letter, C to P
- Step 4POKEPOME3rd letter, K to M
- 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 LAKE to POOP.
LAKE connects to 15 other valid words.
The shortest routes split after move 1 and never agree again before POOP.
Harder than #203 (SAWS, par 5) by 1 move(s). #203 SAWS
Harder than #205 (WAKE, par 5) by 1 move(s). #205 WAKE
How the routes branch
Right after LAKE, 4 different words keep the route just as short: CAKE, LACE, LAME, LIKE. None of them rejoin the others before POOP.(Based on the 20+ shortest routes we found; more may exist.)
This puzzle was a real treat, moving from "lake" to "cake" right at the start. Then it took a fascinating detour through the kitchen before landing on "poop."
Bridge words
- LAKE(noun)
- A large body of water surrounded by land.
- CAKE(noun)
- A sweet baked food made from flour, sugar, and eggs.
- COKE(noun)
- A carbonated soft drink, often brown, produced by Coca-Cola or similar companies.
- 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 LAKE
LAKE has 15 legal first moves. 7 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 #204 answer?
The #204 start word is LAKE. One shortest path to POOP takes 6 moves: LAKE -> CAKE -> COKE -> POKE -> POME -> POMP -> POOP.
Are there really 20 shortest solutions for LAKE to POOP?
There are at least 20 shortest solutions for LAKE to POOP, all completing the puzzle in 6 moves. The shortest solution count is capped at 20, meaning there may be even more ways to solve it in the minimum number of steps. For example, LAKE to LACE to LACK to LOCK to LOOK to LOOP to POOP is one such path.
What are some of the most common first moves from LAKE that lead to a shortest solution?
The most common first moves from LAKE that lead to a shortest solution are CAKE, LAME, and LIKE. Many of the provided shortest paths begin with LAKE changing to one of these words. For instance, LAKE to CAKE to CAME to CAMP to COMP to COOP to POOP is a valid shortest path.
How many first moves from LAKE will cost me an extra turn?
There are 8 first moves from LAKE that will cost you an extra turn, making your total path 7 moves long instead of 6. These moves include BAKE, FAKE, LANE, LATE, LAVE, LAZE, MAKE, and RAKE. While not optimal, they still lead to POOP.
Is there a specific word that appears in many of the shortest solutions?
The word COMP appears in almost all of the shortest solutions provided, acting as a frequent bridge word. It often leads into COOP or POMP, which then quickly transition to POOP. For example, LAKE to LAME to CAMP to COMP to COOP to POOP is a common sequence.