Poople #296 Answer: REED to POOP
June 6, 2026 · Easy · 5 moves
Full solution
The shortest path from REED to POOP takes 5 moves.
Shortest path
- Step 1REEDHEED1st letter, R to H
- Step 2HEEDHOED2nd letter, E to O
- Step 3HOEDHOOD3rd letter, E to O
- Step 4HOODHOOP4th letter, D to P
- Step 5HOOPPOOP1st letter, H to P
Just want a hint?
About this puzzle
Par 5 of 11. Rated Easy.
3 distinct shortest path(s) from REED to POOP.
REED connects to 13 other valid words.
The shortest routes split after move 1 and never agree again before POOP.
Easier than #295 (MOJO, par 6) by 1 move(s). #295 MOJO
Easier than #297 (RIPS, par 6) by 1 move(s). #297 RIPS
How the routes branch
Right after REED, 2 different words keep the route just as short: HEED, PEED. None of them rejoin the others before POOP.
Poople #296: That's a pretty slippery slope from R to P! "Hoed" is a nice little pivot to get us there.
Bridge words
- REED(noun)
- A tall, slender-stemmed plant of the grass family, growing in wetlands.
- HEED(verb)
- pay attention to; take notice of
- HOED(verb)
- To break up, loosen, or weed soil with a hoe.
- HOOD(noun)
- a covering for the head and neck, often attached to a coat
- HOOP(noun)
- A circular band or ring of metal or wood.
First moves from REED
REED has 13 legal first moves. 2 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 #296 answer?
The #296 start word is REED. One shortest path to POOP takes 5 moves: REED -> HEED -> HOED -> HOOD -> HOOP -> POOP.
What are the fastest ways to solve today's puzzle, starting with REED?
There are three shortest solutions, each taking 5 moves to reach POOP. Two of these start by changing REED to PEED, and the third starts by changing REED to HEED. All three paths reach POOP in the par number of moves.
Are there any first moves from REED that lead to a dead end?
No, all 13 valid neighbors of REED can eventually lead to POOP. However, choosing REEF as your first move will cost you two extra moves compared to the par, making it a 7-move solution. Words like HEED and PEED keep you on track for the par of 5 moves.
Is there a word that acts as a 'bridge' in today's puzzle, connecting different solution paths?
The word HOED serves as a bridge in one of the shortest solutions. After changing REED to HEED, you can then change HEED to HOED, which then leads to HOOD and HOOP before reaching POOP. This path is one of the three shortest solutions.
How many first moves from REED keep me on track for the par score?
Only two first moves from REED keep you on track for the par score of 5 moves to reach POOP. These moves are to HEED and PEED. All other first moves will result in a solution that is longer than the par.