THE PLAYBOOK · SYTZNH
How to play Reversi
Start Reversi by looking at the playing area and its controls. When neither player has a legal move, the player with more discs on the board wins; equal totals are a draw. Use the example below to understand a decision. Keep the instructions close while learning this activity. Look at what changes after your first action.
A careful first round
Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal. Keep the objective visible.
Your goal
When neither player has a legal move, the player with more discs on the board wins; equal totals are a draw. Use the instructions to see which actions move you towards it. The example below illustrates a decision.
Step by step
- Black moves first. Highlighted cells show legal placements.
- Place a disc to trap one or more opponent discs in a straight line.
- Every trapped line from that placement is flipped.
- If a player has no legal move, the turn automatically passes.
Controls
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Use the control method described here for this activity. Use the visible help when you are unsure of the next input.
A useful example
Black–white–empty can become black–black–black when Black plays in the empty square. Use the example as a guide rather than a substitute for reading your board. Choose a deliberate next step.
Watch out for this
A placement must flip at least one opposing disc; simply placing beside your own discs is not enough. 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
On this playing page, what is the goal of Reversi?
Keep this in mind: When neither player has a legal move, the player with more discs on the board wins; equal totals are a draw.
For this browser game, how do I control Reversi?
Keep this in mind: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
On this playing page, what example helps explain Reversi?
The key detail is this: Black–white–empty can become black–black–black when Black plays in the empty square.
While learning, what should I watch out for in Reversi?
The key detail is this: A placement must flip at least one opposing disc; simply placing beside your own discs is not enough.
On this playing page, what format does Reversi offer?
For clarity: Play using the same-device two players mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
As a new player, which play mode does Reversi 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.