THE PLAYBOOK · JINSHENGTEC
A practical guide to Nim
Start Nim by looking at the playing area and its controls. Remove the last counter on the board to win. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move. Check the rule that explains your first action. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.
A focus for your next round
Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal. Use the example to check your reasoning.
The challenge in front of you
Remove the last counter on the board to win. Read that aim before choosing your first action. Take a moment to understand the current position.
The steps to play
- 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.
Using the playing area
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.
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. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Check the stated objective.
A mistake to avoid
Only one pile may be changed per turn. Read the feedback to see why an action did not have the expected result. 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.
Further help with the game
As a new player, what is the goal of Nim?
For clarity: Remove the last counter on the board to win.
Before I begin, how do I control Nim?
Here is the relevant explanation: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
For my first round, what example helps explain Nim?
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.
While learning, what should I watch out for in Nim?
Here is the relevant explanation: Only one pile may be changed per turn.
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.
While reading the Guide, 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.