Poople #401 Answer: FANS to POOP
September 19, 2026 · Easy · 5 moves
Full solution
The shortest path from FANS to POOP takes 5 moves.
Shortest path
- Step 1FANSCANS1st letter, F to C
- Step 2CANSCONS2nd letter, A to O
- Step 3CONSCOOS3rd letter, N to O
- Step 4COOSCOOP4th letter, S to P
- Step 5COOPPOOP1st letter, C to P
Just want a hint?
About this puzzle
Par 5 of 11. Rated Easy.
1 distinct shortest path(s) from FANS to POOP.
FANS connects to 12 other valid words.
This puzzle has exactly one shortest route: every move is forced, with no equally short alternative at any step.
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's FANS puzzle has a single shortest path, moving through CANS, CONS, COOS, and COOP to reach POOP. This ladder is surprisingly direct, given the many ways to go astray.
Bridge words
- FANS(noun)
- admirers of a person, group, or sport
- CANS(noun)
- cylindrical metal containers, often for food or drink
- CONS(noun)
- arguments or considerations against something; disadvantages
- COOS(verb)
- makes a soft murmuring sound like a dove
- COOP(noun)
- A cage or enclosure for confining chickens or other small animals.
First moves from FANS
FANS has 12 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.
Costs two extra moves: 7 moves total to POOP.
Solve stats
600 solves were recorded by the time this puzzle was published, and 17% 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: 1m 19s
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 #401 answer?
The #401 start word is FANS. One shortest path to POOP takes 5 moves: FANS -> CANS -> CONS -> COOS -> COOP -> POOP.
Is there really only one shortest solution for FANS to POOP?
Yes, there is only one shortest solution for today’s FANS puzzle. This unique path takes you through CANS, CONS, COOS, and COOP to reach POOP in the par of 5 moves.
Which first move from FANS keeps me on the shortest path?
Only the first move to CANS keeps you on the shortest path to POOP. All other first moves from FANS will add at least one extra move to your solution.
How many first moves from FANS lead to a solution that costs one extra move?
There are seven first moves from FANS that will lead to a solution costing one extra move. These moves include BANS, FADS, FATS, PANS, SANS, TANS, and VANS.
What happens if I start with FANG, FENS, FINS, or FUNS from FANS?
Starting with FANG, FENS, FINS, or FUNS from FANS will add two extra moves to your solution. While these are valid moves, they will make your path longer than the par of 5.