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Overview

Tower of Hanoi

1 player · 2-15 min per session

Transfer all disks from the start peg to the target peg, following the size-order rule.

Players: 1P Session length: 2-15 min

Puzzle

Goal & Core Rules

Transfer all disks from the start peg to the target peg, following the size-order rule.

Only one disk may be moved at a time.
A disk can be placed only on an empty peg or on top of a larger disk.
Goal: move the full stack from the start peg to the target peg.
The fewest moves for n disks is 2^n − 1.

Easy 3 Disks

A compact setup for learning the movement pattern.

Normal 4 Disks

The baseline difficulty for a full standard run.

Expert 6 Disks

A longer run with a much higher optimal move count.

Controls

Mouse

Click a peg button: select or move
Click a peg on the board: select or move
Click the same peg or an empty area: cancel selection

Touch

Tap a peg button: select or move
Tap a peg on the board: select or move
Tap the same peg or an empty area: cancel selection

Beginner Tips

Aim for the smallest disk to move every other turn—this keeps the process structured.
Think in subgoals: move n−1 disks aside, move the largest, then rebuild on top.
Count moves: knowing the minimum helps you judge efficiency.

Advanced Tips

Memorize the recursive pattern; for 3 pegs, the optimal solution is deterministic.
Use symmetry: the sequence for moving a stack left mirrors moving it right.
For larger n, focus on maintaining a rhythm rather than reacting move-by-move.

Origins & History

The Tower of Hanoi is widely believed to have been invented in 1883 by the French mathematician Édouard Lucas, though details of its origin have been debated.

Timeline

1883 Édouard Lucas is widely credited with inventing/presenting the Tower of Hanoi puzzle.

Notable People

Édouard Lucas French mathematician associated with the puzzle (1883)

Sources

Tower of Hanoi — origins section

FAQ

Is there always a unique optimal solution?

For the classic three-peg puzzle, the shortest solution length is fixed, and the move pattern is essentially determined.

Why does the minimum equal 2^n − 1?

Because moving the largest disk requires clearing n−1 disks first, which recursively doubles the work.

What’s a good disk count to start with?

Start with 3 or 4 disks, then move up to 5 and 6 once the pattern feels natural.