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JK-TJ

RULES & PRACTICE

How to Play Reversi

Play Reversi ↗

Game guide · JK-TJ

Understand the basics of Reversi

Take a moment with Reversi before moving to another game. 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. Check the rule that explains your first action. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions.

A focus for your next round

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. Make the next step deliberately.

Your goal

When neither player has a legal move, the player with more discs on the board wins; equal totals are a draw. An attractive position is not enough unless the goal is met. Follow this game’s rules rather than another version’s.

A walkthrough of the rules

  1. Black moves first. Highlighted cells show legal placements.
  2. Place a disc to trap one or more opponent discs in a straight line.
  3. Every trapped line from that placement is flipped.
  4. 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. Make sure you are interacting with the game rather than the surrounding page.

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. Verify the rule before continuing.

Where a round can go wrong

A placement must flip at least one opposing disc; simply placing beside your own discs is not enough. Compare the situation with the worked example. When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round.

Answers about the rules and controls

When I return, 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?

Here is the relevant explanation: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.

While reading the Guide, what example helps explain Reversi?

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

For this browser game, 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.

What format does Reversi offer?

For clarity: Play using the same-device two players mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.

While learning, 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.

As a new player, where should I start with Reversi?

Black moves first. Highlighted cells show legal placements.

On this playing page, do I need an account or a payment for Reversi?

Keep this in mind: No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.

For a quick reminder, how can I find Reversi again?

For clarity: Use the Games list or save this game page in your browser bookmarks. The Guide is linked from the playing page.

While learning, how do I report an issue with Reversi?

Here is the relevant explanation: Use the contact form and include the game name, browser, device and the actions that led to the issue. Do not send passwords or payment details.

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