THE PLAYBOOK · HONGRENYOU
How to play Nim
Use a short break to learn the rhythm of Nim. 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. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.
Focus on one rule
Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow. 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. Follow this game’s rules rather than another version’s.
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. Look at the feedback after the action.
A useful example
With piles of 1 and 2, a move may empty one pile, but cannot remove one counter from both in the same turn. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. 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. Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board.
Common questions
On this playing page, what is the goal of Nim?
The key detail is this: Remove the last counter on the board to win.
On this playing page, how do I control Nim?
The key detail is this: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
What example helps explain Nim?
With piles of 1 and 2, a move may empty one pile, but cannot remove one counter from both in the same turn.
While learning, what should I watch out for in Nim?
The key detail is this: 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.
While learning, which play mode does Nim use?
Here is the relevant explanation: The mode on this page is Same-device two players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.
