THE PLAYBOOK · ZCFYD
Nim: instructions and practice
Choose a round of Nim and settle into its rules. Remove the last counter on the board to win. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions. Identify the playing area and the controls you need. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move.
Practice beyond the first move
After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again. Refer to the controls when needed.
The purpose of your moves
Remove the last counter on the board to win. An attractive position is not enough unless the goal is met. Return to the instructions when a step is unclear.
How to proceed
- 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.
Choosing and moving on screen
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. Look at the feedback after the action.
See how the rules apply
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. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Consider the next action carefully.
Watch out for this
Only one pile may be changed per turn. A different version of the game may use a different rule. When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round.
Clarifying the way this game works
For this browser game, what is the goal of Nim?
Here is the relevant explanation: Remove the last counter on the board to win.
For this browser game, how do I control Nim?
Keep this in mind: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
While learning, what example helps explain Nim?
For clarity: 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.
For this browser game, 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.
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.
