Game guide · FYJYSW
An introduction to playing 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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction. 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.
Practice beyond the first move
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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
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.
Start here and follow along
- 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.
Controls
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.
A closer look at one example
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. 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 common point of confusion
Only the top disc can leave a tower. Moving a large disc onto a small disc is rejected. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
If you are unsure
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 game is played locally in your browser.
On this page, how do the controls work?
Tap the source tower and then its destination. Tap the selected tower again to cancel the selection. The game is played locally in your browser.
When I start, can you show an example?
Three discs can be transferred in seven legal moves. Four discs need at least fifteen moves. The instructions above use these same rules.
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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
When I start, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. A new round resets the current game.
For this game, 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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
During a round, can I move several discs together?
No. One top disc moves at a time. You can start a new round from the game controls.
For this game, what does Undo do?
It restores the immediately previous puzzle state and move count. A new round resets the current game.
For this game, can I use the middle tower?
Yes. It is a temporary holding tower needed to move the stack legally. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
