How to Play Nim

THE PLAYBOOK · HKCYJC

A practical guide to Nim

Try Nim at your own pace and keep its objective in view. Remove the last counter on the board to win. Look at what changes after your first action. Compare the starting position with the example in the Guide. Look at what changes after your first action.

Something to practise

Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow. Keep the objective visible.

What you need to achieve

Remove the last counter on the board to win. Use the instructions to see which actions move you towards it. Take a moment to understand the current position.

The steps to play

1. Player 1 chooses a pile.
2. Remove at least one counter, and up to all counters, from that pile.
3. The next player chooses a pile and an amount.
4. Continue until no counters remain.

Using the playing area

Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. Look at the feedback after the action.

A useful example

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. Use the example as a guide rather than a substitute for reading your board. Notice the change in the playing area.

A mistake to avoid

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.

Read these answers for extra help