How to Play Reversi

THE PLAYBOOK · JINHUIBLIND

Open Reversi, check the instructions and begin a round. When neither player has a legal move, the player with more discs on the board wins; equal totals are a draw. Look at what changes after your first action. Make your first input carefully and watch the result. Look at what changes after your first action.

Build a steady rhythm

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. Notice the feedback after each input.

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. Keep the playing area visible while using these controls. Return to the rules if the result is unexpected.

A useful example

Black–white–empty can become black–black–black when Black plays in the empty square. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. 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. Check the rule before repeating the action. When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round.

Common questions

For my first round, what is the goal of Reversi?

For clarity: When neither player has a legal move, the player with more discs on the board wins; equal totals are a draw.

While reading the Guide, how do I control Reversi?

Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.

While learning, what example helps explain Reversi?

Black–white–empty can become black–black–black when Black plays in the empty square.

What should I watch out for in Reversi?

A placement must flip at least one opposing disc; simply placing beside your own discs is not enough.

As a new player, what format does Reversi 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.

For this browser game, which play mode does Reversi 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.