How to Play Sliding Puzzle

Overview

The Sliding Puzzle (also known as the 15 Puzzle, Gem Puzzle, or Boss Puzzle) is a classic sliding block puzzle invented in 1874. It consists of numbered square tiles in a frame, with one tile missing, allowing tiles to slide into the empty space. The goal is to arrange the tiles in numerical order.

Rules

  • 1The puzzle has a grid of numbered tiles with one empty space.
  • 2Only tiles adjacent to the empty space can be moved.
  • 3Click or tap a tile to slide it into the empty space.
  • 4Arrange all tiles in numerical order from left to right, top to bottom.
  • 5The empty space should end up in the bottom-right corner.

Controls

Click/TapMove a tile into the empty space
Arrow KeysSlide a tile in that direction
Ctrl+ZUndo last move
Ctrl+YRedo move

Grid Sizes

3×3
8 tiles
4×4
15 tiles
5×5
24 tiles
6×6
35 tiles

Solving Strategies

Row by Row Method

Solve the top row first, then the second row, and work your way down. Once a row is complete, you won't need to disturb it.

Corner Strategy

For the last two rows, solve the left column first, then complete the remaining 2×2 or 2×3 section.

Practice Patterns

Learn common tile movement patterns. Moving tiles in a circle around the empty space is a key technique.