Reversi (Othello)
How to Play Reversi
Welcome to the world of Reversi! Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned player, this classic board game offers endless fun and strategy. Reversi (also known as Othello) is played on an 8x8 board with discs that are black on one side and white on the other. The goal? Outflank your opponent and have the most discs of your color on the board by the end of the game.
The Basics: Rules of Reversi
At its heart, Reversi is simple to learn but challenging to master. Here’s how it works:
On your turn, you’ll place a disc on the board with your color facing up. But you can’t just put it anywhere! Your move must bracket one or more of your opponent’s discs in a straight line—horizontally, vertically, or diagonally—between the disc you just placed and another disc of your color. All bracketed discs are then flipped to your color. If you can’t make a valid move, you pass your turn. The game ends when neither player can move, and the player with the most discs wins.
Quick Rules Recap:
- Take turns placing discs with your color facing up.
- Bracket and flip your opponent’s discs.
- Pass if you have no valid moves.
- The player with the most discs at the end wins!
Getting Started: How to Play
The board starts with two black and two white discs in the center. Black always moves first. Each turn, try to capture your opponent’s discs by bracketing them. Early in the game, it’s often better to play conservatively—don’t flip too many discs at once, as this can give your opponent more options. As the board fills up, start thinking several moves ahead and look for opportunities to control the edges and corners.
Corner Strategies: The Secret to Success
If there’s one thing every Reversi player learns quickly, it’s that corners are incredibly valuable. Once you claim a corner, it’s yours for the rest of the game—no one can flip it! Try to set up your moves so you can take a corner, and avoid playing next to a corner unless you’re sure you can capture it. Edges are also important, as they’re harder to flip than center discs. Control the edges, and you’ll often find yourself in a position to grab those all-important corners.
Corner Tips:
- Corners are king—secure them whenever possible.
- Don’t give away corners by playing next to them too early.
- Use the edges to set up for corner captures.
How to Win (Almost) Every Time
Winning at Reversi isn’t just about luck—it’s about planning, patience, and a little bit of trickery. Here are some strategies to boost your win rate:
- Plan Ahead: Try to think several moves in advance. What will your opponent do if you make a certain move? Can you limit their options?
- Control the Corners: Focus on getting and keeping corners. They’re the foundation of a strong position.
- Minimize Early Flips: In the early game, flipping fewer discs can actually be better. It keeps your opponent from gaining too much control.
- Watch Mobility: Try to limit your opponent’s available moves while keeping your own options open. The fewer moves they have, the better for you!
- Endgame Counting: As the board fills up, start counting possible flips to maximize your final disc count. Sometimes the last few moves make all the difference.
Tips, Tricks, and Fun Facts
Don’t rush to grab as many discs as possible early on—sometimes less is more! Try to force your opponent into making awkward moves, especially near the corners. And remember, practice makes perfect. The more you play, the more patterns and strategies you’ll recognize.
Did you know?
- Reversi was invented in the 1880s, and Othello (the modern version) was trademarked in 1971.
- The world record for the most discs flipped in a single move is 18!
- Reversi is played all over the world, with computer versions and tournaments for every skill level.
So what are you waiting for? Scroll up and start your next game of Reversi. Good luck—and may the best strategist win!