What is a word ladder?
A word ladder is a word puzzle in which you turn a start word into a target word by changing one letter at a time. Each step must be an accepted word, and the word length stays the same throughout.
A route may need to move away from the target before it can reach it. Letters that already match the target are not locked in place.
Word Ladder rules
- Begin with the start word shown on the board.
- Change exactly one letter to make your next word. Keep every other letter in its existing position.
- Use words of the same length that are accepted by the Boardsmith dictionary.
- Do not use the same word twice in one ladder.
- Reach the target word to win. Any valid route counts; the shortest route is not required.
Entering and checking words
Type your next word and submit it with Enter. Boardsmith checks the letter change and dictionary entry before adding the word to your ladder.
Use Undo to remove the last accepted word and try another route. Reset takes you back to the start word. The target stays the same.
Word checks need an internet connection. If a request fails, reconnect and submit the word again. A failed request does not mean the word is invalid.
Word Ladder solving tips
Compare the start and target. Each position where they differ needs at least one change, but a valid route may need extra changes to keep every step a word.
Think from both ends. Look for words one letter away from the target as well as words you can make from your current position. You still enter the completed route from the start.
Try changes in different positions, including letters that already match the target. Keeping those letters fixed can prevent you from finding a route.
If you run out of options, undo a word and take another branch. Check vowels and consonants rather than relying on one kind of change.
The daily Word Ladders
Boardsmith has four daily ladders, scheduled for midnight UTC. Easy uses three-letter words, Medium four-letter words, Hard five-letter words and Expert six-letter words. Everyone gets the same start and target for the same date and difficulty.
Longer words change the vocabulary you need, while the route between the endpoints also affects difficulty. Every published pair has a valid route, but you are free to find your own.
Any completed Word Ladder puzzle counts towards your daily streak and Word Ladder play streak. Complete Easy, Medium and Hard to record a game day and unlock the optional Expert bonus. Expert puzzles completed is a separate cumulative total.
For accounts, saved progress, timers and the daily streak, read the daily puzzle FAQs. See the games page for everything available to play.
Word Ladder FAQ
Do I have to find the shortest ladder?
No. Any chain of accepted words that follows the one-letter rule, avoids repeated words and reaches the target solves the puzzle. A shorter route is an optional challenge.
Can I use plurals or other word forms?
Yes, if that form is in the Boardsmith dictionary and follows the letter-change rules. Knowing that a base word is accepted does not guarantee that every possible ending will be accepted.
Why was my word rejected?
A word must have the right length, differ from the previous word in exactly one position, be unused in your current ladder and appear in the Boardsmith dictionary. A word listed in another dictionary is not guaranteed to be included here. Connection failures are reported separately.
Can I repeat a word?
No. The same word cannot appear twice in a Word Ladder route, including the start word. Use Undo to backtrack instead.
Can I change a letter that already matches the target?
Yes. Matching letters are not fixed. Some routes need an intermediate change before you can put the target letter back.
Can I rearrange letters or change the word length?
No. Each Word Ladder step changes one letter in place. You cannot rearrange letters, insert a letter or remove one.
Do I need an internet connection?
Yes. Boardsmith checks each submitted word online. If the check fails because of a connection problem, reconnect and submit it again.