How to solve sliding puzzles

The ROCO Method: A Step-by-Step Way to Solve Sliding Puzzles

The ROCO method is a simple and reliable strategy that helps you solve sliding puzzles every time. The name comes from the order in which you solve parts of the puzzle: Rows and Columns.

The key idea is to solve the puzzle from the outside in, one row or column at a time. As you complete each outer row or column, the remaining puzzle gets smaller and easier to manage. By the time you reach the final few tiles, you’re solving a much smaller puzzle within the original one.

Remember: Once you’ve solved a row or column, don’t touch it again.

Steps to Follow (ROCO Method)

1. Solve the first (top) row
2. Solve the first (leftmost) column
3. Solve the second row
4. Solve the second column
5. Continue alternating rows and columns until the puzzle is solved

By following this method, you can solve any sliding puzzle—no guesswork, just strategy!

Video Guide

In this video, you’ll see step-by-step guides that help you understand the logic behind every move.

Puzzle 3 x 3

Puzzle 3 x 5

Solving 15 tiles requires a slight modification of the ROCO method.

1. Solve the first row
2. Solve the second row
3. Solve the left column
4. Solve the third row
5. Solve the middle column
6. Finish the puzzle

Watch video (above) for a detailed guide.

Puzzle 3 x 6

Solving 18 tiles requires a slight modification of the ROCO method.

1. Solve the first row
2. Solve the second row
3. Solve the third row
4. Solve the left column
5. Solve the fourth row
6. Solve the middle column
7. Finish the puzzle

Watch video (above) for a detailed guide.

Puzzle 3 x 7

Solving 21 tiles requires a slight modification of the ROCO method.

1. Solve the first row
2. Solve the second row
3. Solve the third row
4. Solve the fourth row
5. Solve the left column
6. Solve the fifth row
7. Solve the middle column
8. Finish the puzzle

Watch video (above) for a detailed guide.