Game guide · JSYRSD
An introduction to playing Tower of Hanoi
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. 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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
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
Read the position before choosing your next 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.
The goal to keep in mind
Check the rule below as you play. Move the complete stack of discs from the left tower to the right tower without placing a larger disc on a smaller one.
How a round unfolds
- 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.
Using the playing area
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. 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.
See the idea in action
Check the rule below as you play. Three discs can be transferred in seven legal moves. Four discs need at least fifteen moves. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Watch out for this
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. 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
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. The controls work with mouse or touch.
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. The game is played locally in your browser.
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. 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. A new round resets the current game.
During a round, 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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
When I start, can I move several discs together?
No. One top disc moves at a time. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
For this game, 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.
