Game guide · MXZTJ
The essentials of playing Tower of Hanoi
The board gives you the information needed for the 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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction. 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.
Build familiarity through play
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. 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.
Your objective
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 goal in mind before your next move.
Start here and follow along
- 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.
Getting comfortable with the controls
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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
An example to follow
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. Three discs can be transferred in seven legal moves. Four discs need at least fifteen moves. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Where a round can go wrong
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. 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.
If you are unsure
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.
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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
When I start, can you show an example?
Three discs can be transferred in seven legal moves. Four discs need at least fifteen moves. You can start a new round from the game controls.
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 controls work with mouse or touch.
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. The game is played locally in your browser.
How many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. No download or player account is required.
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. The controls work with mouse or touch.
When I start, can I move several discs together?
No. One top disc moves at a time. A new round resets the current game.
On this page, what does Undo do?
It restores the immediately previous puzzle state and move count. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
When I start, can I use the middle tower?
Yes. It is a temporary holding tower needed to move the stack legally. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
