How to Play Nim

THE PLAYBOOK · GYHUAXIANG

Choose a round of Nim and settle into its rules. Remove the last counter on the board to win. Look at what changes after your first action. Make your first input carefully and watch the result. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions.

A useful comparison

Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board. Refer to the controls when needed.

Your goal

Remove the last counter on the board to win. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Notice how the game responds to your input.

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. Use the control method described here for this activity. 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. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Notice the change in the playing area.

Watch out for this

Only one pile may be changed per turn. Take a moment to reassess the position before continuing. Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart.

Common questions

While learning, what is the goal of Nim?

For clarity: Remove the last counter on the board to win.

As a new player, how do I control Nim?

Here is the relevant explanation: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.

For this browser game, what example helps explain Nim?

Here is the relevant explanation: With piles of 1 and 2, a move may empty one pile, but cannot remove one counter from both in the same turn.

What should I watch out for in Nim?

Keep this in mind: Only one pile may be changed per turn.

On this playing page, what format does Nim offer?

Keep this in mind: Play using the same-device two players mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.

For a quick reminder, 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.