THE PLAYBOOK · AHETV
How to play Nim
Use a short break to learn the rhythm of Nim. Remove the last counter on the board to win. Use the example below to understand a decision. Make your first input carefully and watch the result. Look at what changes after your first action.
Build a steady rhythm
Take enough time to read a new position. If a game has a timer, learn its controls first rather than searching for them during the round. 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. Review the board or playing area as it changes.
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. A careful first action helps you become familiar with the layout. Check any mode label before starting.
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. Take a moment to compare.
Watch out for this
Only one pile may be changed per turn. Read the feedback to see why an action did not have the expected result. Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board.
Common questions
As a new player, what is the goal of Nim?
Here is the relevant explanation: Remove the last counter on the board to win.
On this playing page, how do I control Nim?
Here is the relevant explanation: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
As a new player, what example helps explain Nim?
Keep this in mind: 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.
Before I begin, what should I watch out for in Nim?
Keep this in mind: Only one pile may be changed per turn.
Before I begin, what format does Nim offer?
The key detail is this: Play using the same-device two players mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
While learning, which play mode does Nim use?
Keep this in mind: The mode on this page is Same-device two players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.