Game guide · WWJSMY
Tower of Hanoi: from controls to your first round
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. 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.
An idea for your next attempt
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.
The goal to keep in mind
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. 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.
Making your moves
- 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
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Tap the source tower and then its destination. Tap the selected tower again to cancel the selection. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
An example before you play
Read the position before choosing your next action. 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.
Check this before moving on
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Only the top disc can leave a tower. Moving a large disc onto a small disc is rejected.
Questions about this game
For this game, 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.
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.
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 worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
Which mistake should I avoid?
Only the top disc can leave a tower. Moving a large disc onto a small disc is rejected. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
On this page, 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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
During a round, 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.
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. No download or player account is required.
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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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.