THE PLAYBOOK · KZZDM
How to play Nim
Bring your attention to one round of Nim. Remove the last counter on the board to win. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Check the rule that explains your first action. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.
Read before acting
Read one step at a time and try it on the playing area. Match the instruction to the control you use. Make the next step deliberately.
Your goal
Remove the last counter on the board to win. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Check the rules when you are unsure.
Step by step
- 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.
Controls
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Use the control method described here for this activity. Use one clear input at a time.
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. Focus on why the action is allowed, not only its outcome. Look for the relevant detail.
Watch out for this
Only one pile may be changed per turn. Compare the situation with the worked example. Keep the stated aim separate from side details such as animation or appearance. Progress is measured by the game’s own completion or scoring rules.
Common questions
While learning, what is the goal of Nim?
Remove the last counter on the board to win.
For my first round, how do I control Nim?
Here is the relevant explanation: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
While learning, what example helps explain Nim?
The key detail is this: With piles of 1 and 2, a move may empty one pile, but cannot remove one counter from both in the same turn.
What should I watch out for in Nim?
The key detail is this: Only one pile may be changed per turn.
For my first round, what format does Nim offer?
Here is the relevant explanation: Play using the same-device two players mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
For a quick reminder, 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.