THE PLAYBOOK · ZHOUSIMIAN
Find your footing in Nim
Open Nim, check the instructions and begin a round. Remove the last counter on the board to win. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions. Begin with the same-device two players mode shown on the page. Use the example below to understand a decision.
A small practice goal
When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round. Use the example to check your reasoning.
Your goal
Remove the last counter on the board to win. Use the instructions to see which actions move you towards it. Return to the instructions when a step is unclear.
Work through the instructions
- Player 1 chooses a pile.
- Remove at least one counter, and up to all counters, from that pile.
- The next player chooses a pile and an amount.
- Continue until no counters remain.
How to interact with the game
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.
An example to follow
With piles of 1 and 2, a move may empty one pile, but cannot remove one counter from both in the same turn. Focus on why the action is allowed, not only its outcome. Choose a deliberate next step.
A mistake to avoid
Only one pile may be changed per turn. Take a moment to reassess the position before continuing. Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart.
Clarifying the way this game works
For a quick reminder, what is the goal of Nim?
Here is the relevant explanation: Remove the last counter on the board to win.
When I return, how do I control Nim?
Keep this in mind: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
On this playing page, what example helps explain Nim?
The key detail is this: 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.
When I return, what should I watch out for in Nim?
The key detail is this: Only one pile may be changed per turn.
For this browser game, what format does Nim offer?
For clarity: Play using the same-device two players mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
For my first round, which play mode does Nim use?
The key detail is this: The mode on this page is Same-device two players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.
