THE PLAYBOOK · LYSTDQ
How to play Reversi
Bring your attention to one round of Reversi. When neither player has a legal move, the player with more discs on the board wins; equal totals are a draw. Choose a clear next step rather than rushing through the instructions. Begin with the same-device two players mode shown on the page. Look at what changes after your first action.
Bring this focus to a round
Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal. Refer to the controls when needed.
Your goal
When neither player has a legal move, the player with more discs on the board wins; equal totals are a draw. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Return to the instructions when a step is unclear.
How a round unfolds
- Black moves first. Highlighted cells show legal placements.
- Place a disc to trap one or more opponent discs in a straight line.
- Every trapped line from that placement is flipped.
- If a player has no legal move, the turn automatically passes.
Using the playing area
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Use the control method described here for this activity. Return to the rules if the result is unexpected.
A closer look at one example
Black–white–empty can become black–black–black when Black plays in the empty square. Your next round may have a different position, so inspect it before acting. Read the matching step again.
Avoid this misunderstanding
A placement must flip at least one opposing disc; simply placing beside your own discs is not enough. Check the rule before repeating the action. After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again.
Answers about the rules and controls
As a new player, what is the goal of Reversi?
Here is the relevant explanation: When neither player has a legal move, the player with more discs on the board wins; equal totals are a draw.
How do I control Reversi?
Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.
While learning, what example helps explain Reversi?
For clarity: 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?
For clarity: A placement must flip at least one opposing disc; simply placing beside your own discs is not enough.
Before I begin, 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.
For a quick reminder, which play mode does Reversi use?
The mode on this page is Same-device two players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.