How to Play 15 Puzzle

THE PLAYBOOK · ADAMMBS

How to play 15 Puzzle

Choose a round of 15 Puzzle and settle into its rules. Arrange 1 to 15 in reading order with the empty square at the bottom right. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions. Identify the playing area and the controls you need. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.

Review a difficult moment

When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round. Notice the feedback after each input.

Your goal

Arrange 1 to 15 in reading order with the empty square at the bottom right. The feedback beside the game helps you follow the round. Keep the controls in easy reach.

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. Make sure you are interacting with the game rather than the surrounding page.

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. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Check the stated objective.

Watch out for this

A distant tile cannot jump across other tiles. Read the feedback to see why an action did not have the expected result. After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again.

Common questions