How to Play Nim

THE PLAYBOOK · TJHAIZHONG

Start Nim by looking at the playing area and its controls. Remove the last counter on the board to win. Look at what changes after your first action. Read the objective before making your first input. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.

Keep the aim in sight

Keep the stated aim separate from side details such as animation or appearance. Progress is measured by the game’s own completion or scoring rules. Notice the feedback after each input.

Your goal

Remove the last counter on the board to win. The feedback beside the game helps you follow the round. Keep the controls in easy reach.

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. Use the visible help when you are unsure of the next input.

A useful example

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. Focus on why the action is allowed, not only its outcome. Verify the rule before continuing.

Watch out for this

Only one pile may be changed per turn. Take a moment to reassess the position before continuing. Read one step at a time and try it on the playing area. Match the instruction to the control you use.

Common questions

For a quick reminder, what is the goal of Nim?

Keep this in mind: Remove the last counter on the board to win.

When I return, how do I control Nim?

For clarity: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.

While reading the Guide, what example helps explain Nim?

Here is the relevant explanation: If only one counter remains in one heap, taking it wins under the normal-play rule used here.

For my first round, what should I watch out for in Nim?

For clarity: Only one pile may be changed per turn.

As a new player, what format does Nim offer?

Here is the relevant explanation: Play using the same-device two players mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.

For this browser game, 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.