How do you solve the construction on Game Show Island?

Answer 1

The construction puzzle is based on the classic puzzle called the "Towers of Hanoi" that is used as a simple exercise for computer programmers.

The object is to move the blocks from the 2nd stack to the 4th stack without

putting any larger blocks on top of smaller stacks. You can represent the blocks as A, B, C, and D (smallest to largest) and the three open pedestals as locations 2, 3, and 4 (the blocks are currently at position 2).

The fastest relocation is fifteen moves - A3, B4, A4, C3, A2, B3, A3, D4, A4, B2, A2, C4, A3, B4, A4.

Explanation

The first two moves are A3 and B4 - this means take the small block A off the stack and put it at the location of stack 3, then put the next block B on stack 4.

For the third move, put the small block A on top of the other block B at stack 4. This third move is called A4. Then you can place C on spot 3 and stack them all up on 3 then move D to stack 4. In each case, the proper block A, B, C, or D goes to the stack number that follows it.

This puzzle can actually be simulated using US Coins for the blocks: dime, penny, nickel, and quarter. The longest it should take is 19 moves.