THE PLAYBOOK · COEYSHOES
A practical guide to Nim
Bring your attention to one round of Nim. Remove the last counter on the board to win. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Treat the first round as a chance to learn the controls. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions.
Practice beyond the first move
Read one step at a time and try it on the playing area. Match the instruction to the control you use. Notice the feedback after each input.
Understand the aim
Remove the last counter on the board to win. An attractive position is not enough unless the goal is met. Follow this game’s rules rather than another version’s.
Making your moves
- 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.
Getting comfortable with the controls
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Use the control method described here for this activity. A new-round button replaces the current round.
Follow the example
If only one counter remains in one heap, taking it wins under the normal-play rule used here. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Take a moment to compare.
Avoid this misunderstanding
Only one pile may be changed per turn. Compare the situation with the worked example. 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.
Questions about this game
For my first round, what is the goal of Nim?
For clarity: Remove the last counter on the board to win.
How do I control Nim?
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
When I return, what example helps explain Nim?
For clarity: If only one counter remains in one heap, taking it wins under the normal-play rule used here.
On this playing page, what should I watch out for in Nim?
Keep this in mind: Only one pile may be changed per turn.
For a quick reminder, 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.
While reading the Guide, which play mode does Nim use?
For clarity: The mode on this page is Same-device two players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.
