THE PLAYBOOK · 78JMW
How to play Nim
Try Nim at your own pace and keep its objective in view. Remove the last counter on the board to win. Use the example below to understand a decision. Treat the first round as a chance to learn the controls. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.
Try a deliberate move
After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again. Refer to the controls when needed.
Your goal
Remove the last counter on the board to win. The feedback beside the game helps you follow the round. Take a moment to understand the current position.
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. Read a button’s label before selecting it. Return to the rules if the result is unexpected.
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. Apply the same reasoning to the position in your own round. Look for the relevant detail.
Watch out for this
Only one pile may be changed per turn. Compare the situation with the worked example. 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.
As a new player, how do I control Nim?
Keep this in mind: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
On this playing page, what example helps explain Nim?
The key detail is this: 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.
On this playing page, what should I watch out for in Nim?
Only one pile may be changed per turn.
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?
The mode on this page is Same-device two players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.