Sliding Puzzle (15 Puzzle)
Slide numbered tiles into order on a 3x3 or 4x4 board, counting moves and time.
Sliding Puzzle
Slide numbered tiles into order on a 3x3 or 4x4 board, counting moves and time.
Starts in your browser. Instructions are below.
Controls
- Keyboard and mouse
- Click a tile next to the empty space to slide it in.
- Touch
- Tap a tile next to the empty space.
Scoring and how to win
- Choose a 3 by 3 or 4 by 4 board. Arrange the tiles in order with the empty space in the bottom-right corner.
- The game counts your moves and the seconds since your first move.
- Every shuffle is made from real moves on a solved board, so every puzzle can be solved.
How to play Sliding Puzzle
- 01Pick a board size, then the board shuffles automatically.
- 02Click or tap any tile next to the empty square to slide it across.
- 03Arrange the tiles in numerical order with the empty square last to finish.
About Sliding Puzzle
The 15 puzzle is the original sliding tile puzzle, fifteen numbered tiles in a four by four frame with one gap. Only half of all possible arrangements can be solved, which is why this version scrambles the board by making random legal moves, so every shuffle you get is guaranteed solvable.
The standard method is to solve it row by row, then column by column, leaving a two by two square at the end. Finish the top row and the left column first and avoid disturbing them again, the puzzle shrinks with every section you lock in.
Frequently asked questions
- Is every shuffle solvable?
- Yes. The board is scrambled with random legal moves from a solved state, so a solution always exists.
- What is a good score?
- A four by four board can usually be solved in about 80 moves with practice.
- Can I play an easier version?
- Yes, switch to the 3x3 board for a much quicker eight tile puzzle.
- Does it track my time and moves?
- Yes, both are counted and shown as you solve the board.
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