THE PLAYBOOK · BLCQC
Nim: rules and examples
Try Nim at your own pace and keep its objective in view. Remove the last counter on the board to win. Use the example below to understand a decision. Identify the playing area and the controls you need. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions.
A small practice goal
Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board. Make the next step deliberately.
The purpose of your moves
Remove the last counter on the board to win. An attractive position is not enough unless the goal is met. Try to explain the aim in your own words.
From the start of a round
- 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.
The controls to know
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Keep the playing area visible while using these controls. Return to the rules if the result is unexpected.
Work through an 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.
Questions that come up during play
For my first round, what is the goal of Nim?
Keep this in mind: Remove the last counter on the board to win.
For my first round, how do I control Nim?
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
While learning, what example helps explain Nim?
For clarity: With piles of 1 and 2, a move may empty one pile, but cannot remove one counter from both in the same turn.
On this playing page, what should I watch out for in Nim?
For clarity: Only one pile may be changed per turn.
While learning, 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.
Before I begin, 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.