🔢 Number Puzzle Game Guide

This is a simple, friendly guide for the sliding number puzzle. We’ll keep it easy, show real ways to move tiles, and help you solve without stress.

🎯 Game Objective

Put the numbers in right order by moving tiles in the empty space. It can be played with 3x3, 4x4, or 5x5 grids. The solved board shows numbers going from 1 up, having empty square at the bottom‑right.

Solved State:

1
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5
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📋 How to Play

  1. Move tiles: Click a tile next to the empty space. It slides into the gap.
  2. Pick size: Choose Easy (3x3), Medium (4x4), or Hard (5x5).
  3. New board: Use Shuffle for a mixed board or Solve to reset to solved.
  4. Watch stats: The game shows your moves and time. Try to improve.
  5. Think ahead: Plan 2–3 moves so you don’t break already fixed tiles.

🧠 Solving Strategies

🔝 Top row first

Get the first row in order (1‑4 on 4x4). Lock it, don’t break it. Then do the second row the same way.

🔄 Corner trick

For the last two tiles in a row, use small cycles around a corner to slide them into place without messing up fixed tiles.

🎯 Aim near the spot

Move a tile close to where it belongs first. When it’s near, finish with a short clean sequence.

🔁 Small cycles

Use 3‑tile loops to rotate tiles. These loops shift pieces without breaking rows you already solved.

📚 Step-by-step method

Step 1: Top row

Place 1 and 2 first. Then move 3 and 4 using a small corner loop so the row ends up perfect.

Step 2: Second row

Do 5–8 next. Keep the first row locked. Use short cycles so you don’t move anything in row one.

Step 3: Left side

Line up the left column of the remaining area (like 9 and 13 on 4x4). Keep the rest tidy.

Step 4: Finish

Once the setup is clean, the last few tiles fall in with basic cycles. Don’t rush; keep rows safe.

💡 Tips that help

  • Plan a few moves: Think in short sequences, not single clicks.
  • Control the gap: Park the empty space where it helps the next move.
  • Use small loops: Rotate 3 tiles to move one without breaking rows.
  • Slow is fine: Clean boards beat fast mistakes.
  • Practice: Patterns start to feel natural after a few games.
  • Watch stats: Try fewer moves or faster time, one goal at a time.

🚫 Common mistakes

❌ Moving without a plan

Random clicks usually make the board worse. Think in small goals: fix one row, then the next.

❌ Breaking solved parts

Try not to touch rows you already fixed. Work around them with loops.

❌ Forcing one tile

If one tile won’t go, move others first to open space. Don’t fight the board.

📊 Difficulty

🟢 Easy

Start with 3x3. Learn clean moves and simple loops. No rush.

🟡 Medium

Play 4x4. Try to reduce moves or beat your best time.

🔴 Hard

Go 5x5. Keep rows locked and use more cycles. Stay patient.

🎮 Ready to solve?

Pick a grid size, hit Shuffle, and give it a go. Keep rows clean, use small loops, and watch your moves and time improve.

Play Number Puzzle Game