How to Play
Click or tap on any tile adjacent to the empty space to slide it. Your goal is to arrange all numbers from 1 to 8 in order, with the empty space in the bottom-right corner. On desktop, you can also use the arrow keys - the arrow indicates which direction a tile will move into the empty space. The timer starts when you make your first move.
Rules
- 1.The puzzle consists of a 3x3 grid with 8 numbered tiles and one empty space.
- 2.Only tiles adjacent to the empty space can be moved.
- 3.The goal is to arrange all tiles in numerical order (1-8) with the empty space in the bottom-right corner.
- 4.Try to solve the puzzle in as few moves as possible and beat your best time.
Tips & Strategy
- •Start by solving the top row first, placing 1, 2, and 3 in order.
- •Then solve the middle row (4, 5, 6) without disturbing the top row.
- •Use the corner technique: when placing corner tiles, rotate tiles around the corners.
- •Practice recognizing patterns - certain tile configurations require specific move sequences.
- •Don't rush! Planning your moves ahead leads to better times and fewer moves.
- •Use the arrow keys on desktop for faster, more precise control.
A worked example
A fixed teaching position, separate from your current game.
| 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 4 | 5 | 6 |
| · | 7 | 8 |
| 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 4 | 5 | 6 |
| 7 | 8 | · |
The upper rows are already complete. Tap 7, then 8, to move each tile into the neighboring blank. The board is solved without disturbing those rows. A tempting diagonal tile cannot move: only a shared edge makes a legal move in this version.