THE PLAYBOOK · ZNLTY
How to play Nim
Open Nim, check the instructions and begin a round. Remove the last counter on the board to win. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Compare the starting position with the example in the Guide. Use the example below to understand a decision.
Make the controls familiar
Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart. Keep the objective visible.
Your goal
Remove the last counter on the board to win. An attractive position is not enough unless the goal is met. Notice how the game responds to your input.
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. Read a button’s label before selecting it. Make sure you are interacting with the game rather than the surrounding page.
A useful example
If only one counter remains in one heap, taking it wins under the normal-play rule used here. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Notice the change in the playing area.
Watch out for this
Only one pile may be changed per turn. Check the rule before repeating the action. Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart.
Common questions
As a new player, 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?
Here is the relevant explanation: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
For this browser game, 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.
When I return, what should I watch out for in Nim?
Only one pile may be changed per turn.
When I return, 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?
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.