Game guide · 400286
Rules, controls and help for 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. The game area remains available above the explanation. 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 beyond the first move
Check the rule below as you play. An empty tower accepts any disc; an occupied tower accepts only a smaller disc than its top disc. The game area remains available above the explanation.
The purpose of your moves
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. The game area remains available above the explanation.
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
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.
Learn from a sample situation
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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
A common point of confusion
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. 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.
Read these answers for extra help
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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
How do the controls work?
Tap the source tower and then its destination. Tap the selected tower again to cancel the selection. The instructions above use these same rules.
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.
Which mistake should I avoid?
Only the top disc can leave a tower. Moving a large disc onto a small disc is rejected. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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. A new round resets the current game.
For this game, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
For this game, 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.
Can I move several discs together?
No. One top disc moves at a time. The instructions above use these same rules.
During a round, what does Undo do?
It restores the immediately previous puzzle state and move count. The controls work with mouse or touch.
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.