How to Play Reversi

THE PLAYBOOK · CDBRM

How to play Reversi

Start Reversi by looking at the playing area and its controls. When neither player has a legal move, the player with more discs on the board wins; equal totals are a draw. Use the example below to understand a decision. Choose a comfortable screen position before beginning. Use the example below to understand a decision.

Try a deliberate move

After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again. Use the example to check your reasoning.

Your goal

When neither player has a legal move, the player with more discs on the board wins; equal totals are a draw. An attractive position is not enough unless the goal is met. Check the rules when you are unsure.

Step by step

1. Black moves first. Highlighted cells show legal placements.
2. Place a disc to trap one or more opponent discs in a straight line.
3. Every trapped line from that placement is flipped.
4. If a player has no legal move, the turn automatically passes.

Controls

Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. Check any mode label before starting.

A useful example

Black–white–empty can become black–black–black when Black plays in the empty square. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Notice the change in the playing area.

Watch out for this

A placement must flip at least one opposing disc; simply placing beside your own discs is not enough. Read the feedback to see why an action did not have the expected result. 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.

Common questions