How to Play Reversi

THE PLAYBOOK · LINCANGCHU

Choose a round of Reversi and settle into its rules. 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. Keep the instructions close while learning this activity. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.

Make the controls familiar

Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart. Use the example to check your reasoning.

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. Notice how the game responds to your input.

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. Use the control method described here for this activity. 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. Use the example as a guide rather than a substitute for reading your board. Check the stated objective.

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. 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.

Common questions

Before I begin, what is the goal of Reversi?

The key detail is this: 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?

Keep this in mind: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.

Before I begin, what example helps explain Reversi?

Keep this in mind: Black–white–empty can become black–black–black when Black plays in the empty square.

While learning, what should I watch out for in Reversi?

Here is the relevant explanation: 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.

Before I begin, 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.