THE PLAYBOOK · ZYCGLH
How to play Nim
Bring your attention to one round of Nim. Remove the last counter on the board to win. Look at what changes after your first action. Identify the playing area and the controls you need. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions.
Focus on one rule
Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow. Use the example to check your reasoning.
Your goal
Remove the last counter on the board to win. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Start with a deliberate move.
Step by step
- Player 1 chooses a pile.
- Remove at least one counter, and up to all counters, from that pile.
- The next player chooses a pile and an amount.
- Continue until no counters remain.
Controls
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Keep the playing area visible while using these controls. Avoid pressing the same control repeatedly while a move is being processed.
A useful example
If only one counter remains in one heap, taking it wins under the normal-play rule used here. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Read the matching step again.
Watch out for this
Only one pile may be changed per turn. Read the feedback to see why an action did not have the expected result. When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round.
Common questions
As a new player, what is the goal of Nim?
Remove the last counter on the board to win.
While reading the Guide, how do I control Nim?
Keep this in mind: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
While reading the Guide, what example helps explain Nim?
If only one counter remains in one heap, taking it wins under the normal-play rule used here.
For a quick reminder, what should I watch out for in Nim?
The key detail is this: Only one pile may be changed per turn.
For this browser game, what format does Nim offer?
Keep this in mind: Play using the same-device two players mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
As a new player, which play mode does Nim use?
For clarity: The mode on this page is Same-device two players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.
