The classic 15 puzzle
The tiles are mixed up on a square board with one empty space. Tap a tile next to the gap – or any tile in the same row or column – to slide it. Put the numbers back in order, with the gap in the bottom-right corner, in as few moves as possible.
Choose 3×3 (8 tiles, quick), the classic 4×4 (15 tiles) or 5×5 (24 tiles, tough), and play with numbers or a colourful picture. Every shuffle is made with random legal moves, so every puzzle can be solved. Arrow keys work too.
How to use
- Choose the size and numbers or picture.
- Tap a tile in the same row or column as the gap to slide it.
- Arrange the tiles in order: 1, 2, 3 … with the gap last.
- Your moves and time are counted; your best result is saved.
Ideas for using it
- Tip. solve the top row first, then the left column – then repeat on the smaller puzzle.
- Kids. 3×3 with the picture is a great first puzzle.
- Challenge. 4×4 in under 100 moves.
- Brain break. a quick 3×3 between tasks.