How to Play Number Puzzle: A Beginner's Guide

What is a Number Puzzle?

A number puzzle, also known as a sliding puzzle or 15-puzzle, is a classic brain teaser that consists of numbered tiles arranged in a grid with one empty space. The goal is to arrange the tiles in numerical order by sliding them into the empty space.

Basic Rules

The rules are simple but the challenge is real:

• You can only move tiles that are adjacent to the empty space
• Tiles slide into the empty space when clicked
• The goal is to arrange numbers 1-15 in order, with the empty space in the bottom-right corner

Getting Started

When you first start a number puzzle, the tiles are randomly shuffled. Don't worry if it looks impossible - every solvable puzzle can be completed with the right strategy!

Basic Strategies

Here are some beginner-friendly strategies:

• Start with the top row: Focus on getting numbers 1-4 in the correct positions first
• Work systematically: Complete one row or column at a time
• Think ahead: Consider how your current move will affect future moves

Common Mistakes to Avoid

New players often make these mistakes:

• Moving tiles randomly without a plan
• Focusing only on one tile at a time
• Getting frustrated and giving up too quickly

Practice Makes Perfect

Like any skill, solving number puzzles gets easier with practice. Start with smaller grids (3x3) and work your way up to the classic 4x4 puzzle. Remember, every expert was once a beginner!