THE PLAYBOOK · ACSIWANG
How to play Nim
Make Nim your next activity in the game library. 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. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move.
Notice the feedback
Watch the feedback after an action. A message can explain whether the input was accepted or whether a rule needs attention. 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. Take a moment to understand the current position.
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. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. Read the example below alongside these instructions.
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. Read the feedback to see why an action did not have the expected result. 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?
Here is the relevant explanation: Remove the last counter on the board to win.
While learning, how do I control Nim?
The key detail is this: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
Before I begin, what example helps explain Nim?
If only one counter remains in one heap, taking it wins under the normal-play rule used here.
While reading the Guide, what should I watch out for in Nim?
For clarity: Only one pile may be changed per turn.
While learning, 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?
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.