No.277
Tower of Hanoi
Japanese name: ハノイの塔
You can scroll an enlarged diagram from side to side. Press again to return to its original size.
Diagram key
- D
- Move only the top disc, 1 at a time.
Materials
- 3–5 cardboard discs of different sizes
- 3 paper markers for the positions
- Paper to record the number of moves
How to play
- Mark three positions A, B and C. Stack three discs at A with the largest at the bottom. The goal is to move the whole stack to C in the same size order.
- Move only one disc per turn, taking the top disc from a stack. Place it on an empty position or on a larger disc; never put a larger disc on a smaller one.
- Use B as an intermediate position. Record each move. The puzzle is solved when all three discs are at C.
- Try again to complete the three-disc puzzle in seven moves. With several people, alternate one move each and discuss moves beforehand if desired.
- Once successful, try four discs. Set a time limit for the session and share ideas about which smaller stack to move first.
Ways to adapt
Primary children: start with three discs. Show younger children the first few moves.