THE PLAYBOOK · TCJSJT
How to play Nim
Read the aim of Nim, then make your first move. Remove the last counter on the board to win. Look at what changes after your first action. Keep the instructions close while learning this activity. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move.
Keep the aim in sight
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. Make the next step deliberately.
Your goal
Remove the last counter on the board to win. An attractive position is not enough unless the goal is met. Return to the instructions when a step is unclear.
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. Return to the rules if the result is unexpected.
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. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Keep the game’s format in mind.
Watch out for this
Only one pile may be changed per turn. A different version of the game may use a different rule. After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again.
Common questions
On this playing page, what is the goal of Nim?
For clarity: Remove the last counter on the board to win.
For my first round, how do I control Nim?
Keep this in mind: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
While learning, what example helps explain Nim?
Here is the relevant explanation: With piles of 1 and 2, a move may empty one pile, but cannot remove one counter from both in the same turn.
For my first round, what should I watch out for in Nim?
Keep this in mind: Only one pile may be changed per turn.
While learning, 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.
For my first round, 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.
