What is the fewest number of steps (changing one letter at a time, with each step yielding a common English word) that you can change "SOFT" into "HARD" and then "HARD" into "EASY"?

S O F T
. . . .
. . . .
H A R D
. . . .
. . . .
E A S Y

Yes, I'm pretty sure five steps is the fewest it will take to make either of the transitions. Now, see how many different ways you can find to do it! Besides the few already posted, I have some other unique solutions as well.

Posted by DJ on 2003-07-29 13:00:37