THE PLAYBOOK · XINGYUANKC
Play Nim with the rules at hand
Read the aim of Nim, then make your first move. Remove the last counter on the board to win. Use the example below to understand a decision. Use the opening round to become familiar with the layout. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.
Bring this focus to a round
Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal. Use the example to check your reasoning.
Understand the aim
Remove the last counter on the board to win. An attractive position is not enough unless the goal is met. Start with a deliberate move.
Follow these playing steps
- 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.
Using the playing area
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. Make sure you are interacting with the game rather than the surrounding page.
A closer look at one 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.
Notice this detail
Only one pile may be changed per turn. Compare the situation with the worked example. When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round.
Answers about the rules and controls
For my first round, what is the goal of Nim?
Keep this in mind: Remove the last counter on the board to win.
For this browser game, how do I control Nim?
The key detail is this: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
For this browser game, what example helps explain Nim?
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?
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.
For my first round, 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.