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15 Puzzle: from controls to your first round

Practice beyond the first move

Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart. Make the next step deliberately.

The goal to keep in mind

Arrange 1 to 15 in reading order with the empty square at the bottom right. Read that aim before choosing your first action. Start with a deliberate move.

A walkthrough of the rules

  1. Select a tile directly beside the empty square.
  2. The tile slides into the gap; diagonal moves are not allowed.
  3. Use Undo to step back one move.
  4. Finish the ordered board, or choose New puzzle.

Keyboard and screen controls

Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. Contact us with the game and device if a control does not respond.

An example to follow

When the gap is in the last square, only the tile above it and the tile to its left can move into it. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Keep the controls nearby.

A common point of confusion

A distant tile cannot jump across other tiles. Read the feedback to see why an action did not have the expected result. Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board.

A few questions answered

For this browser game, what is the goal of 15 Puzzle?

Arrange 1 to 15 in reading order with the empty square at the bottom right.

While reading the Guide, how do I control 15 Puzzle?

For clarity: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.

Before I begin, what example helps explain 15 Puzzle?

When the gap is in the last square, only the tile above it and the tile to its left can move into it.

Before I begin, what should I watch out for in 15 Puzzle?

A distant tile cannot jump across other tiles.

As a new player, what format does 15 Puzzle offer?

The key detail is this: Play using the solo mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.

While reading the Guide, which play mode does 15 Puzzle use?

For clarity: The mode on this page is Solo. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.

For my first round, where should I start with 15 Puzzle?

Select a tile directly beside the empty square.

For a quick reminder, do I need an account or a payment for 15 Puzzle?

For clarity: No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.

How can I find 15 Puzzle again?

The key detail is this: Use the Games list or save this game page in your browser bookmarks. The Guide is linked from the playing page.

While learning, how do I report an issue with 15 Puzzle?

Keep this in mind: Use the contact form and include the game name, browser, device and the actions that led to the issue. Do not send passwords or payment details.