Word Ladder Daily
Archive
Date: 2026-01-02
DUCK → TAPE
Today's Word Ladder puzzle connects DUCK to TAPE in 6 steps. This 4-letter word puzzle challenges your vocabulary and logic skills. Can you find the shortest path?
Play This PuzzleStep-by-Step Solution
Step 1
DUCK → LUCK
Change the 1st letter D to L, turning DUCK into LUCK.
Step 2
LUCK → LACK
Change the 2nd letter U to A, turning LUCK into LACK.
Step 3
LACK → LACE
Change the 4th letter K to E, turning LACK into LACE.
Step 4
LACE → LAKE
Change the 3rd letter C to K, turning LACE into LAKE.
Step 5
LAKE → TAKE
Change the 1st letter L to T, turning LAKE into TAKE.
Step 6
TAKE → TAPE
Change the 3rd letter K to P, turning TAKE into TAPE.
Puzzle Insights
Change positions: pos 1: 2, pos 2: 1, pos 3: 2, pos 4: 1. Most-changed position: 1, 3 (2).
Change sequence: 1, 2, 4, 3, 1, 3.
Letter mix: V→V 1, V→C 0, C→V 1, C→C 4.
Word stats: 7 words, 9 unique letters. Start/target share 0 positions.
FAQ
Q: What is the shortest path from DUCK to TAPE?
A: The optimal solution for the Word Ladder from DUCK to TAPE takes exactly 6 steps.
Q: Any tips for today's puzzle?
A: This puzzle involves 4-letter words. A good strategy is to look for common intermediate words or focus on changing vowels first.
Q: Where can I play past Word Ladder puzzles?
A: You can access our complete archive by clicking the "Puzzle Archive" link at the bottom of the page.
Word Definitions
DUCK
LUCK
LACK
LACE
LAKE
TAKE
TAPE