Word Ladder Daily
Archive
Date: 2026-11-18
GATES → RICKY
Today's Word Ladder puzzle connects GATES to RICKY in 6 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
GATES → RATES
Change the 1st letter G to R, turning GATES into RATES.
Step 2
RATES → RACES
Change the 3rd letter T to C, turning RATES into RACES.
Step 3
RACES → RACKS
Change the 4th letter E to K, turning RACES into RACKS.
Step 4
RACKS → ROCKS
Change the 2nd letter A to O, turning RACKS into ROCKS.
Step 5
ROCKS → ROCKY
Change the 5th letter S to Y, turning ROCKS into ROCKY.
Step 6
ROCKY → RICKY
Change the 2nd letter O to I, turning ROCKY into RICKY.
Puzzle Insights
Change positions: pos 1: 1, pos 2: 2, pos 3: 1, pos 4: 1, pos 5: 1. Most-changed position: 2 (2).
Change sequence: 1, 3, 4, 2, 5, 2.
Letter mix: V→V 2, V→C 1, C→V 0, C→C 3.
Word stats: 7 words, 11 unique letters. Start/target share 0 positions.
FAQ
Q: What is the shortest path from GATES to RICKY?
A: The optimal solution for the Word Ladder from GATES to RICKY takes exactly 6 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
GATES
RATES
RACES
RACKS
ROCKS
ROCKY
RICKY