THE PLAYBOOK · QINSMAN
How to play Nim
Make Nim your next activity in the game library. Remove the last counter on the board to win. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Begin with the same-device two players mode shown on the page. Look at what changes after your first action.
Focus on one rule
Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow. Use the example to check your reasoning.
Your goal
Remove the last counter on the board to win. Use the instructions to see which actions move you towards it. 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. A careful first action helps you become familiar with the layout. 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. Read the feedback to see why an action did not have the expected result. Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board.
Common questions
Before I begin, what is the goal of Nim?
The key detail is this: Remove the last counter on the board to win.
On this playing page, how do I control Nim?
For clarity: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
When I return, what example helps explain Nim?
Keep this in mind: If only one counter remains in one heap, taking it wins under the normal-play rule used here.
For this browser game, what should I watch out for in Nim?
Here is the relevant explanation: Only one pile may be changed per turn.
For a quick reminder, 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.
When I return, 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.