Poople #397 Answer: RISK to POOP
September 15, 2026 · Medium · 6 moves
Full solution
The shortest path from RISK to POOP takes 6 moves.
Shortest path
- Step 1RISKRISE4th letter, K to E
- Step 2RISEROSE2nd letter, I to O
- Step 3ROSEPOSE1st letter, R to P
- Step 4POSEPOME3rd letter, S to M
- Step 5POMEPOMP4th letter, E to P
- Step 6POMPPOOP3rd letter, M to O
Just want a hint?
About this puzzle
Par 6 of 11. Rated Medium.
1 distinct shortest path(s) from RISK to POOP.
RISK connects to 4 other valid words.
This puzzle has exactly one shortest route: every move is forced, with no equally short alternative at any step.
Harder than #396 (CARS, par 5) by 1 move(s). #396 CARS
How the routes branch
Every word in this ladder is forced. Swap any single word for another valid neighbour and the route gets longer.
Today, RISK takes a single path through RISE and ROSE to reach POOP. You'll need to hit POME and POMP on the way.
Bridge words
- RISK(noun)
- A situation involving exposure to danger, harm, or loss.
- RISE(verb)
- move from a lower position to a higher one; increase in quantity or intensity
- ROSE(noun)
- a prickly bush or shrub that typically bears fragrant red, pink, yellow, or white flowers
- POSE(verb)
- assume a particular position in order to be photographed, painted, or drawn
- POME(noun)
- A fleshy fruit with a core, such as an apple or pear.
- POMP(noun)
- Grand and showy ceremonial display.
First moves from RISK
RISK has 4 legal first moves. Only one of them stays 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.
Solve stats
1068 solves were recorded by the time this puzzle was published, and 6% 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: 2m 01s
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 #397 answer?
The #397 start word is RISK. One shortest path to POOP takes 6 moves: RISK -> RISE -> ROSE -> POSE -> POME -> POMP -> POOP.
Is there really only one shortest path from RISK to POOP?
Yes, for today’s puzzle there is only one shortest solution. It takes 6 moves to get from RISK to POOP, passing through RISE, ROSE, POSE, POME, and POMP.
What is the best first move from RISK?
The best first move from RISK is RISE. It is the only first move that allows you to reach POOP in the par of 6 moves.
Are there any other valid first moves from RISK?
Yes, there are three other valid first moves from RISK: DISK, RINK, and RUSK. However, all of these moves will cost you at least one extra turn to reach POOP.
What does POME mean in this puzzle?
POME refers to a fleshy fruit with a core, such as an apple or pear. This word is a crucial step in the single shortest path from RISK to POOP.