Game guide · WFMMGS
Learn your way around 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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move. 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.
Practice with a purpose
An empty tower accepts any disc; an occupied tower accepts only a smaller disc than its top disc.
The goal to keep in mind
A careful first move helps you understand the round. Move the complete stack of discs from the left tower to the right tower without placing a larger disc on a smaller one. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Step by step
- 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.
How to use the controls
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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
An example to follow
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.
A useful caution
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Only the top disc can leave a tower. Moving a large disc onto a small disc is rejected. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
A few questions answered
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. 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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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 worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
Which mistake should I avoid?
Only the top disc can leave a tower. Moving a large disc onto a small disc is rejected. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
When I start, 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 worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
When I start, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The instructions above use these same rules.
On this page, 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.
For this game, can I move several discs together?
No. One top disc moves at a time. No download or player account is required.
When I start, what does Undo do?
It restores the immediately previous puzzle state and move count. The instructions above use these same rules.
Can I use the middle tower?
Yes. It is a temporary holding tower needed to move the stack legally. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.