Game guide · XJBILLIARDS
Tower of Hanoi: rules and examples
Read the position before choosing your 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. 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.
Build familiarity through play
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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.
Your goal
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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
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.
Making selections and moves
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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
See how the rules apply
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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Pay attention to this rule
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. 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
For 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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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 instructions above use these same rules.
For this game, can you show an example?
Three discs can be transferred in seven legal moves. Four discs need at least fifteen moves. A new round resets the current game.
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. A new round resets the current game.
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 controls work with mouse or touch.
When I start, 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.
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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
On this page, can I move several discs together?
No. One top disc moves at a time. The instructions above use these same rules.
What does Undo do?
It restores the immediately previous puzzle state and move count. You can start a new round from the game controls.
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.