Game guide · ZHJW-TNY
Tower of Hanoi: what to know before playing
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. Move the complete stack of discs from the left tower to the right tower without placing a larger disc on a smaller one. Keep the goal in mind before your next move. Choose three to eight discs. All discs begin on the left tower. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
One puzzle with adjustable disc count from three to eight. Disc counts are settings, not separate game entries. Undo is available; refreshing restarts.
Give this approach a try
Check the rule below 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.
Your goal
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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
How a round unfolds
- 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.
How your actions work
Check the rule below as you play. 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.
An example to follow
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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
A mistake to avoid
Read the position before choosing your next action. Only the top disc can leave a tower. Moving a large disc onto a small disc is rejected.
Game-specific help
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. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
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. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
Can you show an example?
Three discs can be transferred in seven legal moves. Four discs need at least fifteen moves. No download or player account is required.
For this game, which mistake should I avoid?
Only the top disc can leave a tower. Moving a large disc onto a small disc is rejected. A new round resets the current game.
For this game, 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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
During a round, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The game is played locally in your browser.
During a round, 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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
During a round, can I move several discs together?
No. One top disc moves at a time. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
What does Undo do?
It restores the immediately previous puzzle state and move count. The controls work with mouse or touch.
Can I use the middle tower?
Yes. It is a temporary holding tower needed to move the stack legally. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.