THE PLAYBOOK · HTSIFA
How to play Nim
Try Nim at your own pace and keep its objective in view. Remove the last counter on the board to win. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions. Identify the playing area and the controls you need. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.
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. Keep the objective visible.
Your goal
Remove the last counter on the board to win. The feedback beside the game helps you follow the round. The example below illustrates a decision.
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. Make sure you are interacting with the game rather than the surrounding page.
A useful example
With piles of 1 and 2, a move may empty one pile, but cannot remove one counter from both in the same turn. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Keep the game’s format in mind.
Watch out for this
Only one pile may be changed per turn. A different version of the game may use a different rule. Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board.
Common questions
While reading the Guide, what is the goal of Nim?
For clarity: 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.
On this playing page, what example helps explain Nim?
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.
While learning, what should I watch out for in Nim?
The key detail is this: Only one pile may be changed per turn.
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 mode on this page is Same-device two players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.
