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

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

Letter mix: V→V 0, V→C 1, C→V 0, C→C 4.

Word stats: 6 words, 9 unique letters. Start/target share 1 position.

Cover the steps and work from both READ and FLAG 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 1 from R to H first, but saves position 4 (T to G) for the finish. That is a useful reminder to enter a familiar word family before forcing the final spelling.

At the midpoint, FEAT matches 2 target positions. On your replay, explain why that bridge gives you more options than a random swap; this path changes position 1 and 4 most often.

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