Change positions: pos 1: 1, pos 2: 2, pos 3: 1, pos 4: 1. Most-changed position: 2 (2).

Change sequence: 4, 3, 2, 1, 2.

Letter mix: V→V 2, V→C 0, C→V 1, C→C 2.

Word stats: 6 words, 8 unique letters. Start/target share 1 position.

Cover the steps and work from both WALLS and LOVES first. This ladder needs 5 moves, and the endpoints already share 1 letter position—so a useful move does not always look immediately closer to the target.

The recorded route changes position 4 from L to E first, but saves position 2 (I to O) for the finish. That is a useful reminder to enter a familiar word family before forcing the final spelling.

At the midpoint, WIVES matches 3 target positions. On your replay, explain why that bridge gives you more options than a random swap; this path changes position 2 most often.

Practice prompt: choose two unfamiliar bridge words, check their definitions, and write a short sentence for each. Then replay WALLS to LOVES without looking at the route and compare your reasoning with the solution.