Game guide · 020GAY8
Tower of Hanoi: how a round works
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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again. 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.
Take a closer look while playing
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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
What you need to achieve
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. 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.
Work through the instructions
- 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.
The controls to know
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.
Learn from a sample situation
Take a moment to check the current turn. Three discs can be transferred in seven legal moves. Four discs need at least fifteen moves.
A useful caution
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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Helpful answers for players
During a round, 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. A new round resets the current game.
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.
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.
Which mistake should I avoid?
Only the top disc can leave a tower. Moving a large disc onto a small disc is rejected. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
During a round, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The game is played locally in your browser.
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.
When I start, can I move several discs together?
No. One top disc moves at a time. The instructions above use these same rules.
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 controls work with mouse or touch.
