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The Reversi playbook

Take a closer look while playing

Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board. Refer to the controls when needed.

Understand the aim

When neither player has a legal move, the player with more discs on the board wins; equal totals are a draw. The feedback beside the game helps you follow the round. Check the rules when you are unsure.

Start here and follow along

  1. Black moves first. Highlighted cells show legal placements.
  2. Place a disc to trap one or more opponent discs in a straight line.
  3. Every trapped line from that placement is flipped.
  4. If a player has no legal move, the turn automatically passes.

The controls to know

Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. Contact us with the game and device if a control does not respond.

One way to understand the rules

Black–white–empty can become black–black–black when Black plays in the empty square. Apply the same reasoning to the position in your own round. Check the stated objective.

Check this before moving on

A placement must flip at least one opposing disc; simply placing beside your own discs is not enough. 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.

Read these answers for extra help

While learning, what is the goal of Reversi?

Keep this in mind: When neither player has a legal move, the player with more discs on the board wins; equal totals are a draw.

While learning, how do I control Reversi?

Keep this in mind: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.

As a new player, what example helps explain Reversi?

Black–white–empty can become black–black–black when Black plays in the empty square.

For a quick reminder, what should I watch out for in Reversi?

A placement must flip at least one opposing disc; simply placing beside your own discs is not enough.

On this playing page, 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.

While learning, 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.

While learning, where should I start with Reversi?

The key detail is this: Black moves first. Highlighted cells show legal placements.

Before I begin, do I need an account or a payment for Reversi?

The key detail is this: No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.

While reading the Guide, how can I find Reversi again?

Keep this in mind: Use the Games list or save this game page in your browser bookmarks. The Guide is linked from the playing page.

As a new player, how do I report an issue with Reversi?

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.