Game guide · 05MC
The Tower of Hanoi playbook
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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move. 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.
Take a closer look while playing
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.
Understand the aim
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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Follow these playing steps
- 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
A careful first move helps you understand the round. Tap the source tower and then its destination. Tap the selected tower again to cancel the selection.
Put the rules into context
Three discs can be transferred in seven legal moves. Four discs need at least fifteen moves.
Notice this detail
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.
Game-specific help
When I start, 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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
For this game, how do the controls work?
Tap the source tower and then its destination. Tap the selected tower again to cancel the selection. A new round resets the current game.
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.
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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
During a round, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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. A new round resets the current game.
On this page, can I move several discs together?
No. One top disc moves at a time. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
When I start, what does Undo do?
It restores the immediately previous puzzle state and move count. No download or player account is required.
For this game, can I use the middle tower?
Yes. It is a temporary holding tower needed to move the stack legally. A new round resets the current game.