There are 5 layers. The innermost layer is layer 5, and the outermost is layer 1. When you win a layer, you get to make a move in the next layer out, and then the other person starts another game in the next layer in from that position. (Ties alternate who wins.) Also, if you make a move in one instance of a board you can't make it in a larger instance of the same board.
I know about the softlock. I am not fixing it