Easy example
CAT → DOG: CAT → COT → DOT → DOG. This is a clean four-step ladder and a great starter because every transition uses common phonics patterns.
Medium example
HEAD → TAIL: HEAD → HEAL → TEAL → TELL → TALL → TAIL. Here you can see a temporary detour (TEAL/TELL) that enables the final structure.
Harder example with strategy notes
FIRE → COLD can require several branch checks depending on dictionary rules. The key is to lock one target letter at a time and avoid dead-end endings too early.
- First pass: find any valid chain.
- Second pass: trim unnecessary turns.
- Third pass: compare with solver output for shortest-path learning.
Need more practice? Try the dedicated 4-letter puzzles and 5-letter puzzles collections.