THE PLAYBOOK · SSNHJ
How to play Nim
Nim gives you a focused activity to play in your browser. Remove the last counter on the board to win. Use the example below to understand a decision. Choose a comfortable screen position before beginning. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions.
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. Read that aim before choosing your first action. Notice how the game responds to your input.
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. Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow.
Common questions
As a new player, what is the goal of Nim?
The key detail is this: Remove the last counter on the board to win.
While learning, how do I control Nim?
Here is the relevant explanation: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
As a new player, what example helps explain Nim?
Keep this in mind: 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.
As a new player, what should I watch out for in Nim?
Only one pile may be changed per turn.
When I return, what format does Nim offer?
Keep this in mind: 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 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.