How to Play 15 Puzzle

THE PLAYBOOK · CQXSJINPENG

How to play 15 Puzzle

Bring your attention to one round of 15 Puzzle. Arrange 1 to 15 in reading order with the empty square at the bottom right. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Read the objective before making your first input. Look at what changes after your first action.

Read before acting

Read one step at a time and try it on the playing area. Match the instruction to the control you use. Make the next step deliberately.

Your goal

Arrange 1 to 15 in reading order with the empty square at the bottom right. Use the instructions to see which actions move you towards it. Start with a deliberate move.

Step by step

1. Select a tile directly beside the empty square.
2. The tile slides into the gap; diagonal moves are not allowed.
3. Use Undo to step back one move.
4. Finish the ordered board, or choose New puzzle.

Controls

Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. A new-round button replaces the current round.

A useful example

When the gap is in the last square, only the tile above it and the tile to its left can move into it. Use the example as a guide rather than a substitute for reading your board. Verify the rule before continuing.

Watch out for this

A distant tile cannot jump across other tiles. Compare the situation with the worked example. When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round.

Common questions