Game guide · BJQBTX
Learn the rules of Tower of Hanoi
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. Move the complete stack of discs from the left tower to the right tower without placing a larger disc on a smaller one. Start a new round when you are ready to try again. Choose three to eight discs. All discs begin on the left tower.
One puzzle with adjustable disc count from three to eight. Disc counts are settings, not separate game entries. Undo is available; refreshing restarts.
One thing to notice as you play
An empty tower accepts any disc; an occupied tower accepts only a smaller disc than its top disc. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
What counts as success
Read the position before choosing your next action. Move the complete stack of discs from the left tower to the right tower without placing a larger disc on a smaller one.
The playing sequence
- Choose three to eight discs. All discs begin on the left tower.
- Select the source tower, then the destination tower. Only the top disc moves.
- An empty tower accepts any disc; an occupied tower accepts only a smaller disc than its top disc.
- Use Undo to reverse a move. Complete the puzzle when the right tower holds the whole stack.
Keyboard and screen controls
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Tap the source tower and then its destination. Tap the selected tower again to cancel the selection. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
See the idea in action
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Three discs can be transferred in seven legal moves. Four discs need at least fifteen moves. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
A useful caution
Take a moment to check the current turn. Only the top disc can leave a tower. Moving a large disc onto a small disc is rejected. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Further help with the game
What is the aim of Tower of Hanoi?
Move the complete stack of discs from the left tower to the right tower without placing a larger disc on a smaller one. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
For this game, how do the controls work?
Tap the source tower and then its destination. Tap the selected tower again to cancel the selection. No download or player account is required.
On this page, can you show an example?
Three discs can be transferred in seven legal moves. Four discs need at least fifteen moves. The controls work with mouse or touch.
During a round, which mistake should I avoid?
Only the top disc can leave a tower. Moving a large disc onto a small disc is rejected. You can start a new round from the game controls.
On this page, what rules and limits are used here?
One puzzle with adjustable disc count from three to eight. Disc counts are settings, not separate game entries. Undo is available; refreshing restarts. No download or player account is required.
For this game, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The game is played locally in your browser.
On this page, what is the minimum number of moves?
For n discs the minimum is 2^n − 1. The board shows the minimum for your selected disc count. No download or player account is required.
Can I move several discs together?
No. One top disc moves at a time. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
During a round, what does Undo do?
It restores the immediately previous puzzle state and move count. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
When I start, can I use the middle tower?
Yes. It is a temporary holding tower needed to move the stack legally. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
