Game guide · MMMGZY
Your guide to 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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction. 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.
One thing to notice as you 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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
The objective of a round
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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
The steps to play
- 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.
Keyboard and screen controls
Read the position before choosing your 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.
A useful example
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. The game area remains available above the explanation.
A mistake to avoid
Read the position before choosing your next action. Only the top disc can leave a tower. Moving a large disc onto a small disc is rejected. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Game-specific 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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
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 game is played locally in your browser.
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. The instructions above use these same rules.
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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
How many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The instructions above use these same rules.
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.
During a round, can I move several discs together?
No. One top disc moves at a time. The game is played locally in your browser.
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. No download or player account is required.
