What is the fewest number of steps (changing one letter at a time, with each step yielding a common English word) in which you can change "HOT" into "AIR" and then "AIR" into "BAG"?
H O T
. . .
. . .
A I R
. . .
. . .
B A G
Word games are difficult when there are many variations of English around the globe. Ait is a word for island or eyot and is not uncommon where I come from. Therefore,
HOT
HIT
AIT
AIR
AIT
BIT
BAT
BAG