SlideThree is a new approach to the standard sliding puzzle that comes with Zillions. The numbers 1 through 9 are arranged in reverse order in a square pattern on a 4x4 board. Only a group of three pieces in a row can slide. One or two pieces by themselves cannot slide. The object is to rearrange the numbers into numerical order occupying the starting nine spaces.
 
This is a challenging puzzle. The quickest solution discovered so far is 26 moves. Can you do better?
 
UPDATE: Ingo Althofer discovered a solution to this puzzle in 24 moves, which is included in a new Solutions folder along with the original solution in 26 moves. Susanne Heuser has demonstrated that 24 moves is the optimal length of a solution to this puzzle. You can access the 24-move solution using the "Show Solutions" option under the Help menu.