Game guide · MIBDF
Making your first moves in 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. 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
Take a moment to check the current turn. 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.
Aim for this result
Take a moment to check the current turn. 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.
From the start of a round
- 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.
Using the playing area
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. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Put the rules into context
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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
A mistake to avoid
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. Only the top disc can leave a tower. Moving a large disc onto a small disc is rejected. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Questions about this game
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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
How do the controls work?
Tap the source tower and then its destination. Tap the selected tower again to cancel the selection. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
For this game, 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.
Which mistake should I avoid?
Only the top disc can leave a tower. Moving a large disc onto a small disc is rejected. The game is played locally in your browser.
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.
On this page, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The instructions above use these same rules.
When I start, 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.
For this game, 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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
For this game, can I use the middle tower?
Yes. It is a temporary holding tower needed to move the stack legally. A new round resets the current game.