Word Ladder Daily
Archive
Date: 2026-08-19
HANDS → SAVED
Today's Word Ladder puzzle connects HANDS to SAVED in 8 steps. This 5-letter word puzzle challenges your vocabulary and logic skills. Can you find the shortest path?
Play This PuzzleStep-by-Step Solution
Step 1
HANDS → BANDS
Change the 1st letter H to B, turning HANDS into BANDS.
Step 2
BANDS → BANKS
Change the 4th letter D to K, turning BANDS into BANKS.
Step 3
BANKS → TANKS
Change the 1st letter B to T, turning BANKS into TANKS.
Step 4
TANKS → TALKS
Change the 3rd letter N to L, turning TANKS into TALKS.
Step 5
TALKS → TALES
Change the 4th letter K to E, turning TALKS into TALES.
Step 6
TALES → SALES
Change the 1st letter T to S, turning TALES into SALES.
Step 7
SALES → SAVES
Change the 3rd letter L to V, turning SALES into SAVES.
Step 8
SAVES → SAVED
Change the 5th letter S to D, turning SAVES into SAVED.
Puzzle Insights
Change positions: pos 1: 3, pos 3: 2, pos 4: 2, pos 5: 1. Most-changed position: 1 (3).
Change sequence: 1, 4, 1, 3, 4, 1, 3, 5.
Letter mix: V→V 0, V→C 0, C→V 1, C→C 7.
Word stats: 9 words, 11 unique letters. Start/target share 1 position.
FAQ
Q: What is the shortest path from HANDS to SAVED?
A: The optimal solution for the Word Ladder from HANDS to SAVED takes exactly 8 steps.
Q: Any tips for today's puzzle?
A: This puzzle involves 5-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
HANDS
BANDS
BANKS
TANKS
TALKS
TALES
SALES
SAVES
SAVED