Game guide · LYGXJD
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. 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.
A focus for your next round
An empty tower accepts any disc; an occupied tower accepts only a smaller disc than its top disc. The game area remains available above the explanation.
The purpose of your moves
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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
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.
How your actions work
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. 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.
A closer look at one example
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. 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.
Watch out for this
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.
Questions that come up during play
When I start, 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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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 instructions above use these same rules.
During a round, 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.
When I start, which mistake should I avoid?
Only the top disc can leave a tower. Moving a large disc onto a small disc is rejected. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
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. No download or player account is required.
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. The controls work with mouse or touch.
On this page, can I move several discs together?
No. One top disc moves at a time. The controls work with mouse or touch.
During a round, what does Undo do?
It restores the immediately previous puzzle state and move count. The game is played locally in your browser.
Can I use the middle tower?
Yes. It is a temporary holding tower needed to move the stack legally. You can start a new round from the game controls.