Word Ladder Daily
Archive
Date: 2026-08-30
WAGES → POKER
Today's Word Ladder puzzle connects WAGES to POKER 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
WAGES → WAVES
Change the 3rd letter G to V, turning WAGES into WAVES.
Step 2
WAVES → WIVES
Change the 2nd letter A to I, turning WAVES into WIVES.
Step 3
WIVES → LIVES
Change the 1st letter W to L, turning WIVES into LIVES.
Step 4
LIVES → LOVES
Change the 2nd letter I to O, turning LIVES into LOVES.
Step 5
LOVES → LOVER
Change the 5th letter S to R, turning LOVES into LOVER.
Step 6
LOVER → LOWER
Change the 3rd letter V to W, turning LOVER into LOWER.
Step 7
LOWER → POWER
Change the 1st letter L to P, turning LOWER into POWER.
Step 8
POWER → POKER
Change the 3rd letter W to K, turning POWER into POKER.
Puzzle Insights
Change positions: pos 1: 2, pos 2: 2, pos 3: 3, pos 5: 1. Most-changed position: 3 (3).
Change sequence: 3, 2, 1, 2, 5, 3, 1, 3.
Letter mix: V→V 2, V→C 0, C→V 0, C→C 6.
Word stats: 9 words, 12 unique letters. Start/target share 1 position.
FAQ
Q: What is the shortest path from WAGES to POKER?
A: The optimal solution for the Word Ladder from WAGES to POKER 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
WAGES
WAVES
WIVES
LIVES
LOVES
LOVER
LOWER
POWER
POKER