How to Play Word Ladder

THE PLAYBOOK · SJBOB

How to play Word Ladder

Word Ladder gives you a focused activity to play in your browser. Reach the target through one-letter changes and valid words. Look at what changes after your first action. Choose a comfortable screen position before beginning. Look at what changes after your first action.

Follow five selected word routes. Every step must use a word from the included supporting list; the list does not contain every English word.

Review a difficult moment

When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round. Use the example to check your reasoning.

Your goal

Reach the target through one-letter changes and valid words. The feedback beside the game helps you follow the round. Review the board or playing area as it changes.

Step by step

1. Enter a same-length word differing at one position.
2. Use only the included vocabulary.
3. Do not reuse a word.
4. Undo or Show one route helps.

Controls

Type a word and press Enter or Submit word. Use the control method described here for this activity. A new-round button replaces the current round.

A useful example

COLD → CORD → CARD → WARD → WARM. Apply the same reasoning to the position in your own round. Verify the rule before continuing.

Watch out for this

No insertion, deletion or letter rearrangement. A different version of the game may use a different rule. When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round.

Common questions