THE PLAYBOOK · GLSFW
How to play Nim
Bring your attention to one round of Nim. Remove the last counter on the board to win. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Treat the first round as a chance to learn the controls. Look at what changes after your first action.
Keep the aim in sight
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. Refer to the controls when needed.
Your goal
Remove the last counter on the board to win. An attractive position is not enough unless the goal is met. Follow this game’s rules rather than another version’s.
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. Contact us with the game and device if a control does not respond.
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. Focus on why the action is allowed, not only its outcome. Take a moment to compare.
Watch out for this
Only one pile may be changed per turn. A different version of the game may use a different rule. Take enough time to read a new position. If a game has a timer, learn its controls first rather than searching for them during the round.
Common questions
For my first round, what is the goal of Nim?
Remove the last counter on the board to win.
When I return, how do I control Nim?
Here is the relevant explanation: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
On this playing page, what example helps explain Nim?
The key detail is this: 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.
When I return, what should I watch out for in Nim?
Here is the relevant explanation: Only one pile may be changed per turn.
As a new player, 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?
Keep this in mind: The mode on this page is Same-device two players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.