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ZBHQK

RULES & PRACTICE

How to Play 15 Puzzle

Play 15 Puzzle ↗

Game guide · ZBHQK

Your guide to 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. Use the example below to understand a decision. Identify the playing area and the controls you need. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.

One thing to notice as you play

Take enough time to read a new position. If a game has a timer, learn its controls first rather than searching for them during the round. Keep the objective visible.

Your objective

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. Return to the instructions when a step is unclear.

The steps to play

  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.

How to interact with the game

Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. Read the example below alongside these instructions.

Follow the example

When the gap is in the last square, only the tile above it and the tile to its left can move into it. Focus on why the action is allowed, not only its outcome. Choose a deliberate next step.

Notice this detail

A distant tile cannot jump across other tiles. Read the feedback to see why an action did not have the expected result. When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round.

A few questions answered

While learning, what is the goal of 15 Puzzle?

Arrange 1 to 15 in reading order with the empty square at the bottom right.

For this browser game, how do I control 15 Puzzle?

Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.

For my first round, what example helps explain 15 Puzzle?

For clarity: When the gap is in the last square, only the tile above it and the tile to its left can move into it.

For this browser game, what should I watch out for in 15 Puzzle?

The key detail is this: A distant tile cannot jump across other tiles.

While learning, what format does 15 Puzzle offer?

For clarity: Play using the solo mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.

As a new player, which play mode does 15 Puzzle use?

For clarity: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.

On this playing page, where should I start with 15 Puzzle?

Here is the relevant explanation: Select a tile directly beside the empty square.

For a quick reminder, do I need an account or a payment for 15 Puzzle?

Here is the relevant explanation: No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.

As a new player, how can I find 15 Puzzle again?

For clarity: Use the Games list or save this game page in your browser bookmarks. The Guide is linked from the playing page.

As a new player, how do I report an issue with 15 Puzzle?

Use the contact form and include the game name, browser, device and the actions that led to the issue. Do not send passwords or payment details.

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