Poople #389 Answer: GIST to POOP
September 7, 2026 · Easy · 5 moves
Full solution
Reveal one hint at a time to keep the challenge, or jump straight to the full shortest path from GIST to POOP.
About this puzzle
Par 5 of 11. Rated Easy.
1 distinct shortest path(s) from GIST to POOP.
GIST connects to 7 other valid words.
This puzzle has exactly one shortest route: every move is forced, with no equally short alternative at any step.
Easier than #388 (ITCH, par 10) by 5 move(s). #388 ITCH
How the routes branch
Every word in this ladder is forced. Swap any single word for another valid neighbour and the route gets longer.
GIST has a single shortest path to POOP. Changing only the first letter, GIST becomes LIST, which is the only way to solve this puzzle in five moves.
Bridge words
- GIST(noun)
- The main point or essence of something spoken or written.
- LIST(noun)
- A series of names, words, or other items written or printed together.
- LOST(adjective)
- unable to find one's way; not knowing one's whereabouts
- LOOT(noun)
- goods, especially valuable items, stolen or taken by force
- LOOP(noun)
- A shape like a curve that crosses itself, or a repeated computer process.
First moves from GIST
GIST has 7 legal first moves. Only one of them stays 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.
Solve stats
882 solves were recorded by the time this puzzle was published, and 31% of them finished exactly on par.
Each row below groups solves by how many extra moves beyond par they took, from 0 (exactly on par) up to 6 or more. The number on each bar is that group's solve count, followed by its share of the total.
Median solve time: 55s
Stuck on a different word?
Enter your current 4-letter word for the shortest path to POOP.
Today's puzzle is live
A new Poople puzzle unlocks daily, always at 08:00 UTC.
Play todayFAQ
What is the Poople #389 answer?
The #389 start word is GIST. One shortest path to POOP takes 5 moves: GIST -> LIST -> LOST -> LOOT -> LOOP -> POOP.
Is there really only one way to solve today's puzzle in the par of 5 moves?
Yes, GIST has only one shortest solution to POOP. The unique path is GIST to LIST, then to LOST, LOOT, LOOP, and finally POOP. Any other first move from GIST will require at least one extra step.
I started with GIST to FIST, but then I got stuck. Does FIST lead to POOP?
Yes, FIST does lead to POOP, but it costs an extra move compared to the par. FIST is one of six first moves from GIST that result in a solution longer than 5 moves. The only first move that maintains the shortest path is LIST.
How many different words can I change GIST into as my first move?
GIST has 7 valid neighbors that can be formed by changing a single letter. Only one of these, LIST, leads to a shortest solution of 5 moves. The other six first moves, including FIST, GIFT, GILT, GUST, MIST, and WIST, will result in longer solutions.