THE PLAYBOOK · XZJSCM
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. Use the example below to understand a decision.
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. Keep the objective visible.
Your goal
Remove the last counter on the board to win. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. 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. Look at the feedback after the action.
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. Use the example as a guide rather than a substitute for reading your board. 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. Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart.
Common questions
While learning, what is the goal of Nim?
Remove the last counter on the board to win.
When I return, how do I control Nim?
For clarity: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
As a new player, what example helps explain Nim?
For clarity: 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.
For my first round, what should I watch out for in Nim?
The key detail is this: Only one pile may be changed per turn.
As a new player, what format does Nim offer?
The key detail is this: 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.