Word Ladder Daily
Archive
Date: 2026-12-06
FANS → SELF
Today's Word Ladder puzzle connects FANS to SELF in 8 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
FANS → HANS
Change the 1st letter F to H, turning FANS into HANS.
Step 2
HANS → HAND
Change the 4th letter S to D, turning HANS into HAND.
Step 3
HAND → BAND
Change the 1st letter H to B, turning HAND into BAND.
Step 4
BAND → BALD
Change the 3rd letter N to L, turning BAND into BALD.
Step 5
BALD → BALL
Change the 4th letter D to L, turning BALD into BALL.
Step 6
BALL → BELL
Change the 2nd letter A to E, turning BALL into BELL.
Step 7
BELL → SELL
Change the 1st letter B to S, turning BELL into SELL.
Step 8
SELL → SELF
Change the 4th letter L to F, turning SELL into SELF.
Puzzle Insights
Change positions: pos 1: 3, pos 2: 1, pos 3: 1, pos 4: 3. Most-changed position: 1, 4 (3).
Change sequence: 1, 4, 1, 3, 4, 2, 1, 4.
Letter mix: V→V 1, V→C 0, C→V 0, C→C 7.
Word stats: 9 words, 9 unique letters. Start/target share 0 positions.
FAQ
Q: What is the shortest path from FANS to SELF?
A: The optimal solution for the Word Ladder from FANS to SELF takes exactly 8 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
FANS
HANS
HAND
BAND
BALD
BALL
BELL
SELL
SELF