🎯 Game Objective

The Number Puzzle, also known as the 15-puzzle, challenges you to arrange numbered tiles (1-15) in sequential order within a 4x4 grid, with one empty space for movement. The goal is to achieve the solved state in the minimum number of moves.

Solved State:

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

📋 How to Play

Click to Move: Click on any numbered tile adjacent to the empty space to slide it into the empty position.
Plan Your Moves: Think ahead before making moves, as some positions can be harder to recover from.
Track Progress: Monitor your move count and try to solve with fewer moves each time.
Use Shuffle: Click "Shuffle" to generate a new random puzzle configuration.
Reset if Stuck: Use the "New Game" button to start fresh if you get stuck.

🧠 Solving Strategies

🔝 Top-Down Approach

Start by solving the top row (1, 2, 3, 4), then the second row (5, 6, 7, 8). This creates a stable foundation for the remaining puzzle.

🔄 Corner Strategy

When placing the last two tiles in a row, use the corner technique to position them correctly without disturbing solved areas.

🎯 Target Positioning

Always work to get tiles close to their target positions before making the final placement moves.

🔁 Cycling Technique

Learn common move sequences that cycle tiles through positions without affecting other solved areas.

📚 Step-by-Step Solution Method

Step 1: Solve Top Row (1-4)

Focus on getting tiles 1, 2, 3, and 4 in the correct positions. Start with 1 and 2, then use the corner technique for 3 and 4.

Step 2: Solve Second Row (5-8)

With the top row complete, work on positioning 5, 6, 7, and 8. Use similar techniques, being careful not to disturb the top row.

Step 3: Solve Left Column (9, 13)

Position tiles 9 and 13 in the leftmost column of the remaining 2x2 area.

Step 4: Final Positioning

With proper setup, the remaining tiles (10, 11, 12, 14, 15) should fall into place with standard moves.

💡 Pro Tips

Think in sequences: Plan 3-4 moves ahead rather than making single moves.
Use the empty space wisely: Position the empty space strategically to enable future moves.
Learn common patterns: Memorize standard move sequences for common situations.
Don't rush: Take time to analyze the board before making moves.
Practice regularly: The more you play, the better you'll recognize patterns and solutions.
Count moves: Challenge yourself to solve in fewer moves each time.

🚫 Common Mistakes

❌ Random Moving

Avoid making moves without a plan. Random movements often lead to more complex configurations.

❌ Ignoring Solved Areas

Don't disturb already-solved sections. Always work around completed areas.

❌ Focusing on One Tile

Don't obsess over getting one specific tile in place. Sometimes you need to move other tiles first.

📊 Difficulty Levels

🟢 Beginner

Solve the puzzle without time pressure. Focus on learning the basic techniques.

🟡 Intermediate

Try to solve in under 100 moves. Start timing yourself for additional challenge.

🔴 Advanced

Solve in under 80 moves and under 5 minutes. Master advanced techniques.

⚫ Expert

Solve any configuration in under 60 moves and under 3 minutes consistently.

🎮 Ready to Solve?

Now that you understand the strategies and techniques, challenge yourself with the Number Puzzle!

Play Number Puzzle Game