THE PLAYBOOK · FQ12349
Nim: a guide for your next round
Open Nim, check the instructions and begin a round. Remove the last counter on the board to win. Look at what changes after your first action. Begin with the same-device two players mode shown on the page. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move.
Build familiarity through play
Keep the stated aim separate from side details such as animation or appearance. Progress is measured by the game’s own completion or scoring rules. Refer to the controls when needed.
The objective of a round
Remove the last counter on the board to win. Read that aim before choosing your first action. Start with a deliberate move.
From the start of a round
- 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.
Getting comfortable with the controls
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. A careful first action helps you become familiar with the layout. Contact us with the game and device if a control does not respond.
An example before you play
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.
An important reminder
Only one pile may be changed per turn. Take a moment to reassess the position before continuing. When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round.
Read these answers for extra help
Before I begin, what is the goal of Nim?
Keep this in mind: Remove the last counter on the board to win.
On this playing page, how do I control Nim?
For clarity: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
Before I begin, what example helps explain Nim?
Keep this in mind: If only one counter remains in one heap, taking it wins under the normal-play rule used here.
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.
As a new player, which play mode does Nim use?
The mode on this page is Same-device two players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.