THE PLAYBOOK · SJZYCGG
How to play Nim
Take a moment with Nim before moving to another game. Remove the last counter on the board to win. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Identify the playing area and the controls you need. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.
Try a deliberate move
After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again. Notice the feedback after each input.
Your goal
Remove the last counter on the board to win. Read that aim before choosing your first action. 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. Keep the playing area visible while using these controls. A new-round button replaces the current round.
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. Notice the change in the playing area.
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. When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round.
Common questions
Before I begin, what is the goal of Nim?
Remove the last counter on the board to win.
As a new player, how do I control Nim?
Keep this in mind: 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.
For a quick reminder, what should I watch out for in Nim?
Here is the relevant explanation: Only one pile may be changed per turn.
While reading the Guide, what format does Nim offer?
Keep this in mind: Play using the same-device two players mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
For a quick reminder, 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.