THE PLAYBOOK · XHYWQHY
Play Nim with the rules at hand
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. Identify the playing area and the controls you need. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions.
A focus for your next round
Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board. Use the example to check your reasoning.
What you are aiming for
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.
Start here and follow along
- 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. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. Return to the rules if the result is unexpected.
An example before you play
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. Verify the rule before continuing.
A useful caution
Only one pile may be changed per turn. Read the feedback to see why an action did not have the expected result. Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow.
Common questions
For a quick reminder, what is the goal of Nim?
Here is the relevant explanation: Remove the last counter on the board to win.
Before I begin, how do I control Nim?
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
While learning, what example helps explain Nim?
For clarity: With piles of 1 and 2, a move may empty one pile, but cannot remove one counter from both in the same turn.
As a new player, what should I watch out for in Nim?
Here is the relevant explanation: Only one pile may be changed per turn.
On this playing page, 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?
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.