How to Solve Klotski in 81 Moves
Step through the shortest solution of the classic layout, one move at a time.
Play Klotski (free)Stage 1: Wide block down (moves 1–21)
ABCD1234
Starting position
Solve it yourself ›See all 81 moves as a list
Stage 1: Wide block down (moves 1–21)
Stage 2: Big block to middle (moves 22–48)
Stage 3: Tall blocks to top (moves 49–67)
Stage 4: Big block to exit (moves 68–81)
All shortest solutions pass 4 shapes
ABCD1234
See moves 1–21
ABCD1234
See moves 22–48
ABCD1234
See moves 49–67
ABCD1234
See moves 68–81
Solving it yourself? Aim for these shapes in order (mirror images work too).
Tips for solving it yourself
- Get the wide block above the big block: that’s the heart of the puzzle
- Don’t push the big block straight down: 6 of its 9 moves are sideways
- Line up the two empty spaces: side by side or stacked, they let the larger blocks through
- Park the small blocks in corners or the top row: that clears a path
- Lost? Go back to the last stage shape: Undo in the game takes you back
81 moves is the fewest, or 90 or 116 if you count differently
What counts as one move, and the fewest moves
FAQ
- Is there only one 81-move solution?
- No. There are 256, if blocks of the same shape count as the same.
- When is the puzzle solved?
- When the big block reaches the bottom middle, right above the exit.
- Is it the same puzzle as Huarong Dao?
- Yes. Its best-known layout (Cao Cao is the big block) is this one, and it also takes 81 moves.
- My set has names or pictures on the blocks
- Sets differ. Match blocks by shape; the letters and numbers here just tell them apart.
- How many positions can the blocks reach?
- 25,955 from the start. The farthest takes 124 moves.
- Can the game give hints?
- Yes. Hint plays the next move of a shortest solution from wherever you are.
- Can it solve other layouts?
- The game has 40 more, from 3 to 135 moves, and Hint works on all of them.
