Answers for Daily #19

The starting word was

First moves

14 words are one letter away from CAPE.

GAPE: verb To open the mouth wide, especially involuntarily, as in a yawn, anger, or surprise.
JAPE: noun A joke or quip.
NAPE: noun The back part of the neck.
TAPE: noun Flexible material in a roll with a sticky surface on one or both sides; adhesive tape.
COPE: verb To deal effectively with something, especially if difficult.
CAFE: noun Alternative form of café.

Also: CAGE, CAKE, CAME, CANE, CARE, CASE, CAVE, CAPS

CAPE → GAPE → GAME → GAMY

Once the words before it are used, nobody can change GAMY: a dead end, worth 3 extra points.

Every Daily hides one golden word a few moves from the start. This one was DONE.

From CAPE, 2,140 words can be reached one letter at a time.

3 players. Best: 150 words and 275 points. Average: 65 words.

Definitions from Wiktionary