Game guide · 2COU99BJ
How to play Tower of Hanoi
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. 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.
Try a more deliberate round
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. An empty tower accepts any disc; an occupied tower accepts only a smaller disc than its top disc.
Your goal
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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
How to proceed
- 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
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. 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.
See the idea in action
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
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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Helpful answers for players
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 instructions above use these same rules.
How do the controls work?
Tap the source tower and then its destination. Tap the selected tower again to cancel the selection. No download or player account is required.
During a round, can you show an example?
Three discs can be transferred in seven legal moves. Four discs need at least fifteen moves. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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. 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. No download or player account is required.
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.
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. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
On this page, can I move several discs together?
No. One top disc moves at a time. No download or player account is required.
During a round, what does Undo do?
It restores the immediately previous puzzle state and move count. The controls work with mouse or touch.
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.
