Poople #417 Answer: PAIR to POOP
October 5, 2026 · Easy · 5 moves
Full solution
The shortest path from PAIR to POOP takes 5 moves.
Shortest path
- Step 1PAIRPAIL4th letter, R to L
- Step 2PAILPALL3rd letter, I to L
- Step 3PALLPOLL2nd letter, A to O
- Step 4POLLPOOL3rd letter, L to O
- Step 5POOLPOOP4th letter, L to P
Just want a hint?
About this puzzle
Par 5 of 11. Rated Easy.
1 distinct shortest path(s) from PAIR to POOP.
PAIR connects to 6 other valid words.
This puzzle has exactly one shortest route: every move is forced, with no equally short alternative at any step.
Easier than #416 (RAFT, par 6) by 1 move(s). #416 RAFT
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 puzzle, PAIR to POOP, has a unique shortest path. Changing one letter to PAIL is the only way to reach POOP in the minimum number of steps.
Bridge words
- PAIR(noun)
- a set of two things used together or regarded as a unit
- PAIL(noun)
- A bucket, typically cylindrical, with a handle, used for carrying liquids.
- PALL(noun)
- A cloth spread over a coffin, hearse, or tomb.
- POLL(noun)
- A survey of public opinion, or the casting of votes in an election.
- POOL(noun)
- A small body of standing water, or a game played with cues and balls.
First moves from PAIR
PAIR has 6 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
3853 solves were recorded by the time this puzzle was published, and 27% 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 40s
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 #417 answer?
The #417 start word is PAIR. One shortest path to POOP takes 5 moves: PAIR -> PAIL -> PALL -> POLL -> POOL -> POOP.
Why is PAIL the only first move from PAIR that leads to a shortest solution?
Changing PAIR to PAIL is the only way to reach POOP in the minimum of 5 steps because all other first moves lead to longer paths. For example, moving to FAIR, LAIR, PAID, or PAIN each adds one extra move to the solution, while HAIR adds two extra moves.
How many shortest solutions are there from PAIR to POOP?
There is only one shortest solution from PAIR to POOP, which is a unique path. This specific path is PAIR -> PAIL -> PALL -> POLL -> POOL -> POOP, taking 5 moves.
What happens if I start with a word other than PAIL, like FAIR?
If you start with FAIR, LAIR, PAID, or PAIN, your solution will be one move longer than the shortest path. If you choose HAIR as your first move, your solution will be two moves longer than the shortest path.