How to Play Nim

THE PLAYBOOK · MEIBO0417

Choose a round of Nim and settle into its rules. Remove the last counter on the board to win. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move. Compare the starting position with the example in the Guide. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move.

Practice beyond the first move

Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board. Keep the objective visible.

The challenge in front of you

Remove the last counter on the board to win. Read that aim before choosing your first action. Try to explain the aim in your own words.

Making your moves

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.

How your actions work

Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Read a button’s label before selecting it. Read the example below alongside these instructions.

Follow the example

With piles of 1 and 2, a move may empty one pile, but cannot remove one counter from both in the same turn. Use the example as a guide rather than a substitute for reading your board. Keep the game’s format in mind.

Keep this in mind

Only one pile may be changed per turn. Compare the situation with the worked example. Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart.

Answers about the rules and controls

On this playing page, what is the goal of Nim?

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

Before I begin, how do I control Nim?

The key detail is this: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.

For my first round, what example helps explain Nim?

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?

The key detail is this: Only one pile may be changed per turn.

For a quick reminder, what format does Nim offer?

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

When I return, which play mode does Nim use?

The key detail is this: The mode on this page is Same-device two players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.