How to Play Reversi

THE PLAYBOOK · ZYKJFASHION

Start Reversi by looking at the playing area and its controls. When neither player has a legal move, the player with more discs on the board wins; equal totals are a draw. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move. Treat the first round as a chance to learn the controls. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions.

A focus for your next round

Read one step at a time and try it on the playing area. Match the instruction to the control you use. Refer to the controls when needed.

Your goal

When neither player has a legal move, the player with more discs on the board wins; equal totals are a draw. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. The example below illustrates a decision.

How to proceed

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.

How to use the controls

Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. Contact us with the game and device if a control does not respond.

See the idea in action

Black–white–empty can become black–black–black when Black plays in the empty square. Apply the same reasoning to the position in your own round. Notice the change in the playing area.

Avoid this misunderstanding

A placement must flip at least one opposing disc; simply placing beside your own discs is not enough. Take a moment to reassess the position before continuing. Choose one rule to keep in mind for this round. Apply it consistently rather than guessing what another version might allow.

Game-specific help

For this browser game, what is the goal of Reversi?

Keep this in mind: When neither player has a legal move, the player with more discs on the board wins; equal totals are a draw.

While learning, how do I control Reversi?

The key detail is this: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.

For a quick reminder, what example helps explain Reversi?

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

While reading the Guide, 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.

For a quick reminder, 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.

When I return, which play mode does Reversi use?

The mode on this page is Same-device two players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.