Game guide · JXLGGC
Your guide to Tower of Hanoi
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Move the complete stack of discs from the left tower to the right tower without placing a larger disc on a smaller one. The game area remains available above the explanation. 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.
An idea for your next attempt
A careful first move helps you understand the round. An empty tower accepts any disc; an occupied tower accepts only a smaller disc than its top disc.
Your goal
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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.
A walkthrough of the rules
- 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.
Getting comfortable with the controls
A careful first move helps you understand the round. Tap the source tower and then its destination. Tap the selected tower again to cancel the selection. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
See how the rules apply
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.
Notice this detail
Check the rule below as you play. Only the top disc can leave a tower. Moving a large disc onto a small disc is rejected.
Game-specific help
On this page, 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 instructions above use these same rules.
How do the controls work?
Tap the source tower and then its destination. Tap the selected tower again to cancel the selection. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
Can you show an example?
Three discs can be transferred in seven legal moves. Four discs need at least fifteen moves. The game is played locally in your browser.
On this page, 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.
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. The game is played locally in your browser.
How many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The instructions above use these same rules.
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. The controls work with mouse or touch.
On this page, can I move several discs together?
No. One top disc moves at a time. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
For this game, 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.
For this game, can I use the middle tower?
Yes. It is a temporary holding tower needed to move the stack legally. The instructions above use these same rules.
