Word Ladder Daily
Archive
Date: 2026-02-14
HITS → YALE
Today's Word Ladder puzzle connects HITS to YALE in 5 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
HITS → HATS
Change the 2nd letter I to A, turning HITS into HATS.
Step 2
HATS → MATS
Change the 1st letter H to M, turning HATS into MATS.
Step 3
MATS → MATE
Change the 4th letter S to E, turning MATS into MATE.
Step 4
MATE → MALE
Change the 3rd letter T to L, turning MATE into MALE.
Step 5
MALE → YALE
Change the 1st letter M to Y, turning MALE into YALE.
Puzzle Insights
Change positions: pos 1: 2, pos 2: 1, pos 3: 1, pos 4: 1. Most-changed position: 1 (2).
Change sequence: 2, 1, 4, 3, 1.
Letter mix: V→V 1, V→C 0, C→V 1, C→C 3.
Word stats: 6 words, 9 unique letters. Start/target share 0 positions.
FAQ
Q: What is the shortest path from HITS to YALE?
A: The optimal solution for the Word Ladder from HITS to YALE takes exactly 5 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
HITS
HATS
MATS
MATE
MALE
YALE