Game guide · BJ-TYZ
Getting started with Tower of Hanoi
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.
One puzzle with adjustable disc count from three to eight. Disc counts are settings, not separate game entries. Undo is available; refreshing restarts.
Practice with a purpose
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. An empty tower accepts any disc; an occupied tower accepts only a smaller disc than its top disc.
The purpose of your moves
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.
The playing sequence
- 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.
Controls
Check the rule below as you play. 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.
Put the rules into context
A careful first move helps you understand the round. Three discs can be transferred in seven legal moves. Four discs need at least fifteen moves.
A common point of confusion
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.
Read these answers for extra help
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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
How do the controls work?
Tap the source tower and then its destination. Tap the selected tower again to cancel the selection. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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.
For this game, 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.
During a round, 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.
How many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. A new round resets the current game.
When I start, 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.
On this page, can I move several discs together?
No. One top disc moves at a time. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
On this page, what does Undo do?
It restores the immediately previous puzzle state and move count. The instructions above use these same rules.
When I start, 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.
