THE PLAYBOOK · G8MM7JKU6
A practical guide to Nim
Start Nim by looking at the playing area and its controls. Remove the last counter on the board to win. Use the example below to understand a decision. Check the rule that explains your first action. Look at what changes after your first action.
One thing to notice as you play
Watch the feedback after an action. A message can explain whether the input was accepted or whether a rule needs attention. Refer to the controls when needed.
The goal to keep in mind
Remove the last counter on the board to win. Read that aim before choosing your first action. Take a moment to understand the current position.
From the start of a round
- 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.
Keyboard and screen controls
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Keep the playing area visible while using these controls. Return to the rules if the result is unexpected.
See how the rules apply
With heaps of 1, 2 and 3 counters, choose one heap and remove at least one counter from it. You cannot take from two heaps in the same turn. Use the example as a guide rather than a substitute for reading your board. Take a moment to compare.
One detail worth checking
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.
Questions about this game
While learning, what is the goal of Nim?
Remove the last counter on the board to win.
How do I control Nim?
The key detail is this: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
Before I begin, what example helps explain Nim?
The key detail is this: If only one counter remains in one heap, taking it wins under the normal-play rule used here.
While learning, what should I watch out for in Nim?
Here is the relevant explanation: Only one pile may be changed per turn.
While learning, what format does Nim offer?
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?
The mode on this page is Same-device two players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.