3×3 sliding puzzles. Make room for the next move.
Move eight objects through one empty space to match a reference board. These 3×3 sliding puzzles use the familiar eight-puzzle layout, with objects instead of numbered tiles.
Choose a puzzle
Start with Gentle, or move through Steady, Tricky and Stretch for a longer challenge.
The teatime shuffle
Slide into placeThe first cup
Slide into placeThe petal path
Slide into placeGarden steps
Slide into placeThe picnic basket
Slide into placeThe potting bench
Slide into placeKitchen corners
Slide into placeSunday brunch
Slide into placeThrough the garden gate
Slide into placeThe winding path
Slide into placeThe last course
Slide into placeThe long way home
Slide into placeHow to play sliding puzzles
- Look at the reference arrangement above the board. Your goal is to put every object and the empty space in those positions.
- Select a piece directly next to the gap to slide it into the empty space. Diagonal and distant pieces cannot move there.
- Keep moving the gap around the board until the arrangement matches. Undo and hints let you work through a tricky position without restarting.
Plan the gap, not just the piece
Before choosing a piece, notice where the empty space will end up. The gap often has to travel around a piece before that piece can move toward its goal. Moving something away from its final position can be a useful step in the route.
Your board is saved in this browser when local storage is available. You can leave and come back on the same device. For keyboard controls and saving details, see the complete playing guide.
Before your next puzzle
Why does a tile sometimes stay still?
Only a tile immediately above, below, left or right of the empty square can slide. A piece touching the gap diagonally must wait until the gap reaches one of its sides.
Do I have to match the minimum move count?
No. The target is an optional shortest-route challenge. Every starting board is solvable, and a sliding hint suggests a step on a shortest route from your current arrangement.