THE PLAYBOOK · SJBOB
How to play Nim
Bring your attention to one round of Nim. Remove the last counter on the board to win. Look at what changes after your first action. Treat the first round as a chance to learn the controls. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move.
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. Notice the feedback after each input.
Your goal
Remove the last counter on the board to win. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Check the rules when you are unsure.
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. Return to the rules if the result is unexpected.
A useful example
If only one counter remains in one heap, taking it wins under the normal-play rule used here. Focus on why the action is allowed, not only its outcome. Keep the game’s format in mind.
Watch out for this
Only one pile may be changed per turn. Check the rule before repeating the action. 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
While learning, what is the goal of Nim?
For clarity: Remove the last counter on the board to win.
How do I control Nim?
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
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.
Before I begin, what should I watch out for in Nim?
For clarity: Only one pile may be changed per turn.
While reading the Guide, 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.
For a quick reminder, which play mode does Nim use?
For clarity: The mode on this page is Same-device two players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.