07/01/2013 - Bug Jump (***)

This puzzle is rated 3 star (hard).
 
Description

 

Three red bugs and three green bugs are playing a game on the board shown above. The red bugs and green bugs have to change places.

They are allowed to do the following:

• A bug may move from its spot along a line to an empty space as long as it doesn't pass over another bug.
• A bug that is in one of the corner spots may jump over another bug of a different colour provided it jumps in a straight line and lands in an empty space.

However, a bug cannot jump over a bug of the same colour.

Puzzle
What is the minimum number of moves to have the red and green bugs change places?

Check the solutions page for the correct answer.