Rung #45: PAIRS to FILED — the solution

The Rung ladder from September 28, 2026: PAIRS to FILED, one letter at a time, every step a real word. Par is 7: the shortest climb there is takes 6 rungs, and par gives you one to spare.

The puzzle

Climb from PAIRS to FILED. The shortest climb through the whole accepted dictionary is 6 rungs; par is one more, so the shortest route comes in under it.

The walkthrough

A climb one under par, one of 17 shortest: at every step a single letter changes and every word on the way is one the game accepts.

1. PAIRS → FAIRS — the first letter, P becomes F.
2. FAIRS → FAILS — the fourth letter, R becomes L.
3. FAILS → FALLS — the third letter, I becomes L.
4. FALLS → FILLS — the second letter, A becomes I.
5. FILLS → FILES — the fourth letter, L becomes E.
6. FILES → FILED — the fifth letter, S becomes D.

Other routes as short: PAIRS · PAILS · FAILS · FALLS · FILLS · FILES · FILED; PAIRS · PAILS · PALLS · FALLS · FILLS · FILES · FILED; PAIRS · PAILS · PALLS · PILLS · FILLS · FILES · FILED; and more.

The answer

PAIRS · FAIRS · FAILS · FALLS · FILLS · FILES · FILED — 6 rungs.

Previous: Rung #44 (Sun, Sep 27)

About Rung

Rung is Noggin’s daily word ladder: five letters, one changed at a time, par set by the shortest climb there is. Any real word is a rung. How to play Rung, or play today’s.