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Word Ladder Game: Free Online Puzzles

A word ladder is a word puzzle: turn the start word into the end word by changing one letter at a time, and every step must be a real word, so CAT becomes COT, then DOT, then DOG. Our word ladder game is free, plays online with no download or sign-up, and has 60 levels from 3-letter starters for kids of about 7 to hard 4-letter ladders for grown-ups, plus a new daily ladder. Every ladder has been checked by a computer, which also knows the shortest way up; ask for a hint whenever you are stuck.

Play word ladder

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How to play word ladder

  1. The start word is at the top of the ladder and the end word at the bottom. Change one letter at a time to get from one to the other.
  2. Every step must be a real word from our list of everyday words (no names, and no plurals such as CATS). You can’t add, remove or swap letters round, only change one.
  3. Tap the letter you want to change, then tap the new letter in the A to Z buttons. If the new word is in our list it goes on the ladder; if not, nothing is lost: try another letter.
  4. Reach the end word to win. The number under the ladder is the fewest changes it can be done in; any ladder that gets there wins.
  5. Undo takes back your last word. Hint puts the next word on a shortest ladder for you.
  6. Keyboard: the left and right arrow keys choose a letter, then type the new letter. Backspace undoes, H gives a hint.

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    How to play

    1. The start word is at the top of the ladder and the end word at the bottom. Change one letter at a time to get from one to the other.
    2. Every step must be a real word from our list of everyday words (no names, and no plurals such as CATS). You can’t add, remove or swap letters round, only change one.
    3. Tap the letter you want to change, then tap the new letter in the A to Z buttons. If the new word is in our list it goes on the ladder; if not, nothing is lost: try another letter.
    4. Reach the end word to win. The number under the ladder is the fewest changes it can be done in; any ladder that gets there wins.
    5. Undo takes back your last word. Hint puts the next word on a shortest ladder for you.
    6. Keyboard: the left and right arrow keys choose a letter, then type the new letter. Backspace undoes, H gives a hint.

    Who it’s for: Kids from about age 7 (3-letter levels), older kids, grown-ups and seniors. Sound is off unless you turn it on, there is no time limit, and “Pause” stops the clock.

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    Word ladder tips and strategy

    • Work from both ends: think of words one letter away from the last word as well as the first.
    • Letters that the first and last words share in the same place can usually stay put.
    • Change a vowel when you’re stuck: CAT to COT to DOT opens up more words than changing a consonant.
    • Hints cost nothing. Each one gives the next step on a shortest ladder.

    Try our printable word scrambles and crosswords (both with answers), or the daily puzzles. More word games online: word guess and word search.

    Questions

    What is a word ladder?

    A word puzzle in which you change one word into another one letter at a time, making a real word at every step: COLD, CORD, WORD, WARD, WARM. Lewis Carroll, who wrote Alice in Wonderland, made them popular in 1877 under the name “doublets”. They are also called word golf or word chains.

    Which level should I start with?

    Starter: 3-letter words, 2 to 3 changes (ages 7+); Easy: 3-letter words, 4 to 5 changes (ages 8+); Medium: 4-letter words, 3 to 4 changes (ages 9+); Hard: 4-letter words, 5 to 7 changes (teens and grown-ups). Levels 1 to 15 suit children who are reading 3-letter words confidently, from about age 7 or year 2 to 3; teens and grown-ups can start at level 31. Every level is open: you don’t have to finish one to try the next.

    Is every ladder possible?

    Yes. A computer has checked every level and every daily ladder and found the shortest way from the start word to the end word using only words in our list. The number shown is that shortest number of changes. Any ladder that reaches the end word wins, even a longer one.

    Why isn’t my word accepted?

    The game only accepts everyday words from our own list of 1,098 three- and four-letter words, spelled the same in British and American English. Names, plurals (CATS), short forms and rare words are left out so that children don’t meet words they shouldn’t. Try a different letter, or press Hint.

    Is a word ladder good for spelling?

    Yes. Each step makes you think about which letter changes the sound and meaning of a word, which is good practice for spelling, phonics and vocabulary. Teachers use word ladders as a warm-up; play today’s ladder together on the board.

    Is it safe for children?

    Yes. There is no chat, no account, no in-game purchases and no links to other sites. Every word in the game is an everyday word checked against a list of rude and unkind words. Adverts on the page are non-personalised and sit below the game, away from where children tap.

    Is it free? Do I need to sign up or download anything?

    It is free and plays in your web browser on a computer, tablet or phone. There is nothing to download and no account. Your stats are kept in this browser only. A few adverts on the page, kept well away from the game, pay for the site.

    If you like Word ladder, try

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