Poople #214 Answer: TICK to POOP
March 16, 2026 · Easy · 5 moves
Full solution
The shortest path from TICK to POOP takes 5 moves.
Shortest path
- Step 1TICKHICK1st letter, T to H
- Step 2HICKHOCK2nd letter, I to O
- Step 3HOCKHOOK3rd letter, C to O
- Step 4HOOKHOOP4th letter, K to P
- Step 5HOOPPOOP1st letter, H to P
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About this puzzle
Par 5 of 11. Rated Easy.
11 distinct shortest path(s) from TICK to POOP.
TICK connects to 13 other valid words.
The shortest routes split after move 1 and never agree again before POOP.
How the routes branch
Right after TICK, 3 different words keep the route just as short: HICK, LICK, TOCK. None of them rejoin the others before POOP.
This puzzle offered a fun ascent from T in TICK to P in POOP. HOCK was a pivotal step, connecting the start and end of the ladder.
Bridge words
- TICK(noun)
- a small arachnid that attaches to skin and feeds on blood
- HICK(noun)
- An unsophisticated, uncultured person from a rural area.
- HOCK(noun)
- joint of a quadruped's hind leg, corresponding to the human ankle
- HOOK(noun)
- A curved piece of metal or other material used for catching or holding things.
- HOOP(noun)
- A circular band or ring of metal or wood.
First moves from TICK
TICK has 13 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 #214 answer?
The #214 start word is TICK. One shortest path to POOP takes 5 moves: TICK -> HICK -> HOCK -> HOOK -> HOOP -> POOP.
What are the best first moves from TICK?
The best first moves from TICK are HICK, LICK, and TOCK, as each of these allows you to reach POOP in just 4 more steps. These three words are the only ones that keep you on track for the par score of 5 moves. All other first moves will cost you at least one extra turn.
Are there many ways to solve this puzzle in the par number of moves?
Yes, there are at least 11 different ways to solve this puzzle in the par of 5 moves. All of these solutions start with TICK and then branch out through HICK, LICK, or TOCK. For example, one path is TICK -> TOCK -> TOOK -> TOOL -> POOL -> POOP.
What happens if I start with TACK from TICK?
If you start with TACK from TICK, you will still be able to reach POOP, but it will cost you an extra move. TACK is one of nine first moves that add one additional step to your solution. This means your total path will be 6 moves long, one more than the par.