Question

Describe an algorithm that could be used to solve the Tee Puzzle. In this puzzle, the board consists of a 5 sided triangle full of golf tees. One hole is empty. You can jump a tee over an adjacent tee as long as it lands into an empty hole. The jumped tee is removed. The goal is to have one tee remaining.

Answer 1

Algorithm : one approach (there can be many)

1. Start with position 1 empty. This would be the top point of the triangle.
2. Make the diamond shape. This basic pattern can be repeated throughout the board, helping you win the game.
   1. Take the peg in position 4 and jump it over the peg in position 2. It will then be in position 1.
   2. Use the peg in position 6 to jump position 5. It will now be in position 4.
   3. Use the peg in position 1 to jump position 3. It will now be in position 6.
   4. These moves will give you the diamond base.
3. Make two groups of pegs. As you'll see, the next set of moves will divide the pegs into two groups, one on each side of the triangle.
   1. Move the peg in position 7 to position 2, jumping position 4.
   2. Move peg 13 to position 4.
   3. Next, move peg 10 to position 8.
   4. You should now have two groups of pegs, with 5 pegs on the left side and 3 on the right.
4. Separate the triangle in two. This next set of steps will make a curved line across the triangle, dividing it into two parts.
   1. Move peg 2 to position 7. Then take that same peg and move it to position 9.
   2. Next, move peg 15 to position 13.
5. Move your last pegs to the bottom row. These moves will leave you with three final pegs, all in the bottom row.
   1. Move peg 12 into position 14.
   2. Next move peg 6 to position 13.
   3. You should now just have three pegs left in the bottom row.
6. Complete the last moves. Move peg 14 to position 12. Then make the last move, peg 11 to position 13.
7. Win the game. The ending peg should be in the 13th hole. Completed.

( Optional : Two more approaches described pictorially in short-

1.

2.

)