THE PLAYBOOK · CDBRM
How to play Nim
Choose a round of Nim and settle into its rules. Remove the last counter on the board to win. Look at what changes after your first action. Identify the playing area and the controls you need. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.
A useful comparison
Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board. Notice the feedback after each input.
Your goal
Remove the last counter on the board to win. Use the instructions to see which actions move you towards it. 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. Avoid pressing the same control repeatedly while a move is being processed.
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. Focus on why the action is allowed, not only its outcome. Read the matching step again.
Watch out for this
Only one pile may be changed per turn. Compare the situation with the worked example. Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal.
Common questions
While reading the Guide, what is the goal of Nim?
Here is the relevant explanation: Remove the last counter on the board to win.
As a new player, how do I control Nim?
For clarity: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
For this browser game, what example helps explain Nim?
Keep this in mind: 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?
For clarity: Only one pile may be changed per turn.
For this browser game, what format does Nim offer?
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?
The key detail is this: The mode on this page is Same-device two players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.