Game guide · AHOPENG
The essentials of 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. The game area remains available above the explanation. Choose three to eight discs. All discs begin on the left tower. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
One puzzle with adjustable disc count from three to eight. Disc counts are settings, not separate game entries. Undo is available; refreshing restarts.
Try a more deliberate round
Take a moment to check the current turn. An empty tower accepts any disc; an occupied tower accepts only a smaller disc than its top disc.
What counts as success
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. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Work through the instructions
- 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
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. 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.
A useful example
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. 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.
An important reminder
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. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Further help with the game
On this page, 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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
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 game is played locally in your browser.
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 game is played locally in your browser.
During a round, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. You can start a new round from the game controls.
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.
When I start, can I move several discs together?
No. One top disc moves at a time. You can start a new round from the game controls.
On this page, what does Undo do?
It restores the immediately previous puzzle state and move count. A new round resets the current game.
When I start, can I use the middle tower?
Yes. It is a temporary holding tower needed to move the stack legally. The instructions above use these same rules.