Game guide · ZZQHMY
Making your first moves in Tower of Hanoi
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. 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.
One puzzle with adjustable disc count from three to eight. Disc counts are settings, not separate game entries. Undo is available; refreshing restarts.
One thing to notice as you play
A careful first move helps you understand the round. An empty tower accepts any disc; an occupied tower accepts only a smaller disc than its top disc.
Aim for this result
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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.
How a round unfolds
- 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.
Your inputs
Take a moment to check the current turn. 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.
Work through an example
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your 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.
A common point of confusion
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. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Game-specific help
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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
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 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 instructions above use these same rules.
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. The game is played locally in your browser.
When I start, 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.
When I start, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
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.
During a round, what does Undo do?
It restores the immediately previous puzzle state and move count. The instructions above use these same rules.
For this game, can I use the middle tower?
Yes. It is a temporary holding tower needed to move the stack legally. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.