Game guide · ZING22
Making your first moves in 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. 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
An empty tower accepts any disc; an occupied tower accepts only a smaller disc than its top disc. The game area remains available above the explanation.
The objective of a round
Move the complete stack of discs from the left tower to the right tower without placing a larger disc on a smaller one.
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.
Keyboard and screen controls
Tap the source tower and then its destination. Tap the selected tower again to cancel the selection. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
A closer look at one 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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Pay attention to this rule
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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.
If you are unsure
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. No download or player account is required.
On this page, how do the controls work?
Tap the source tower and then its destination. Tap the selected tower again to cancel the selection. A new round resets the current game.
During a round, 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.
Which mistake should I avoid?
Only the top disc can leave a tower. Moving a large disc onto a small disc is rejected. A new round resets the current game.
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.
During a round, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The worked example offers another way to follow the 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. No download or player account is required.
Can I move several discs together?
No. One top disc moves at a time. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
During a round, what does Undo do?
It restores the immediately previous puzzle state and move count. A new round resets the current game.
On this page, 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.