Work from both ends
List a few words one move from POOP, then look for a bridge connecting the current row to one of those endings.
Choose bridge words by future options, not just by how many letters already resemble POOP.
List a few words one move from POOP, then look for a bridge connecting the current row to one of those endings.
When two legal moves are available, compare how many accepted next moves each one keeps open. A sideways-looking move can avoid a dead end.
After finishing, compare your route with par and study the first different move. That decision is usually more useful than memorizing the full answer.