THE PLAYBOOK · XICHONGLT
Your guide to Nim
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. Read the objective before making your first input. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.
Build familiarity through play
After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again. Use the example to check your reasoning.
Your objective
Remove the last counter on the board to win. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Check the rules when you are unsure.
A walkthrough of the rules
- 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.
Input guidance
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Read a button’s label before selecting it. Avoid pressing the same control repeatedly while a move is being processed.
An example to follow
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. Focus on why the action is allowed, not only its outcome. Read the matching step again.
Notice this detail
Only one pile may be changed per turn. Check the rule before repeating the action. Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board.
More answers before you play
While learning, what is the goal of Nim?
Here is the relevant explanation: Remove the last counter on the board to win.
On this playing page, how do I control Nim?
The key detail is this: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
While reading the Guide, what example helps explain Nim?
The key detail is this: If only one counter remains in one heap, taking it wins under the normal-play rule used here.
For my first round, what should I watch out for in Nim?
Here is the relevant explanation: Only one pile may be changed per turn.
While reading the Guide, 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.
On this playing page, which play mode does Nim use?
Here is the relevant explanation: The mode on this page is Same-device two players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.