Game guide · QWBEN
Tower of Hanoi: what to know before playing
Take a moment to check the current turn. 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.
Build familiarity through play
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. An empty tower accepts any disc; an occupied tower accepts only a smaller disc than its top disc. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
What counts as success
Read the position before choosing your 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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Making your moves
- 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.
Making selections and moves
Check the rule below as you play. Tap the source tower and then its destination. Tap the selected tower again to cancel the selection. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
An example before you play
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Three discs can be transferred in seven legal moves. Four discs need at least fifteen moves. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Check this before moving on
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.
Helpful answers for players
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. The instructions above use these same rules.
During a round, how do the controls work?
Tap the source tower and then its destination. Tap the selected tower again to cancel the selection. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
On this page, can you show an example?
Three discs can be transferred in seven legal moves. Four discs need at least fifteen moves. The controls work with mouse or touch.
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. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
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. The controls work with mouse or touch.
For this game, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The controls work with mouse or touch.
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 game is played locally in your browser.
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.
What does Undo do?
It restores the immediately previous puzzle state and move count. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
On this page, can I use the middle tower?
Yes. It is a temporary holding tower needed to move the stack legally. You can start a new round from the game controls.