Game guide · BJTENGYUE
Making your first moves in Nim
Open Nim, check the instructions and begin a round. Remove the last counter on the board to win. Use the example below to understand a decision. Keep the instructions close while learning this activity. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions.
Try a more deliberate round
After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again. Make the next step deliberately.
Your objective
Remove the last counter on the board to win. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Take a moment to understand the current position.
Start here and follow along
- 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.
The controls to know
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. A careful first action helps you become familiar with the layout. Make sure you are interacting with the game rather than the surrounding page.
A closer look at one example
If only one counter remains in one heap, taking it wins under the normal-play rule used here. Apply the same reasoning to the position in your own round. Keep the game’s format in mind.
One detail worth checking
Only one pile may be changed per turn. Read the feedback to see why an action did not have the expected result. When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round.
Questions that come up during play
While learning, what is the goal of Nim?
Keep this in mind: Remove the last counter on the board to win.
For my first round, how do I control Nim?
The key detail is this: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
What example helps explain Nim?
For clarity: With piles of 1 and 2, a move may empty one pile, but cannot remove one counter from both in the same turn.
As a new player, 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?
Play using the same-device two players mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.
On this playing page, 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.
For this browser game, where should I start with Nim?
Player 1 chooses a pile.
When I return, do I need an account or a payment for Nim?
For clarity: No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.
When I return, how can I find Nim again?
For clarity: Use the Games list or save this game page in your browser bookmarks. The Guide is linked from the playing page.
For this browser game, how do I report an issue with Nim?
Keep this in mind: 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.