Game guide · 92SYH
Tower of Hanoi: a guide for your next round
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. 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.
An idea for your next attempt
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. An empty tower accepts any disc; an occupied tower accepts only a smaller disc than its top disc. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Aim for this result
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.
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.
Making selections and moves
Read the position before choosing your next action. 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
Take a moment to check the current turn. 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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Further help with the game
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.
When I start, how do the controls work?
Tap the source tower and then its destination. Tap the selected tower again to cancel the selection. The controls work with mouse or touch.
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 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.
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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
On this page, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
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. 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. No download or player account is required.
When I start, what does Undo do?
It restores the immediately previous puzzle state and move count. No download or player account is required.
On this page, can I use the middle tower?
Yes. It is a temporary holding tower needed to move the stack legally. Use the labelled controls for your next action.