Game guide · BJTENGYUE
The Tower of Hanoi playbook
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. 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.
One thing to notice as you play
The board gives you the information needed for the 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.
Your objective
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.
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
Take a moment to check the current turn. 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 to follow
Read the position before choosing your next action. Three discs can be transferred in seven legal moves. Four discs need at least fifteen moves. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
A common point of confusion
Check the rule below as you play. Only the top disc can leave a tower. Moving a large disc onto a small disc is rejected.
Questions about this game
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.
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. No download or player account is required.
During a round, can you show an example?
Three discs can be transferred in seven legal moves. Four discs need at least fifteen moves. You can start a new round from the game controls.
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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
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.
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.
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. The instructions above use these same rules.
For this game, can I move several discs together?
No. One top disc moves at a time. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
For this game, 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. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.