THE PLAYBOOK · ZXZXMR
How to play Nim
Take a moment with Nim before moving to another game. Remove the last counter on the board to win. Look at what changes after your first action. Compare the starting position with the example in the Guide. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions.
Try a deliberate move
After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again. Keep the objective visible.
Your goal
Remove the last counter on the board to win. An attractive position is not enough unless the goal is met. Follow this game’s rules rather than another version’s.
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. Read the example below alongside these instructions.
A useful example
With piles of 1 and 2, a move may empty one pile, but cannot remove one counter from both in the same turn. Use the example as a guide rather than a substitute for reading your board. Keep the game’s format in mind.
Watch out for this
Only one pile may be changed per turn. Check the rule before repeating the action. 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
For my first round, what is the goal of Nim?
Keep this in mind: Remove the last counter on the board to win.
On this playing page, how do I control Nim?
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
As a new player, what example helps explain Nim?
Keep this in mind: 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.
For this browser game, what should I watch out for in Nim?
Keep this in mind: 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.
When I return, which play mode does Nim use?
Keep this in mind: The mode on this page is Same-device two players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.
