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How to Play Reversi (Othello)

How to Play Reversi (Othello): Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Reversi, also known as Othello, is a classic strategy board game that’s easy to learn and fun to master. Whether you’re brand new or want to sharpen your skills, this guide will walk you through the rules, setup, and winning strategies step by step.

What You Need

  • An 8x8 board (like a chessboard)
  • 64 discs, each black on one side and white on the other
  • Two players: one plays black, the other white

Game Setup

  1. Place the board between both players.
  2. Put four discs in the center squares: black on D5 and E4, white on D4 and E5 (or use the board’s coordinates).
  3. Black always goes first.

Basic Rules

  1. Players take turns placing a disc of their color on the board.
  2. A move is only valid if it brackets one or more of the opponent’s discs in a straight line (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) between the disc just placed and another disc of the current player’s color.
  3. All bracketed discs are flipped to the current player’s color.
  4. If a player cannot make a valid move, they must pass their turn.
  5. The game ends when neither player can move. The player with the most discs of their color wins.

Step-by-Step Example

  1. Black places a disc to bracket at least one white disc.
  2. Flip the bracketed white disc(s) to black.
  3. White takes a turn, bracketing and flipping black discs.
  4. Continue until the board is full or no moves are possible.

Tips for Beginners

  • Corners are powerful: Try to capture corners—they can’t be flipped!
  • Don’t rush: Sometimes flipping fewer discs is better early in the game.
  • Plan ahead: Think about your next move and how your opponent might respond.
  • Control the edges: Edges are safer than the center and can help you set up for corners.

Winning Strategies

  • Focus on controlling corners and edges.
  • Limit your opponent’s options by forcing them into bad moves.
  • In the endgame, count possible flips to maximize your final score.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What if I can’t make a move? A: You must pass your turn. If neither player can move, the game ends.

Q: Can I play Reversi online? A: Yes! Many websites and apps let you play against friends or computer opponents.

Final Thoughts

Reversi is easy to pick up but offers endless depth and strategy. Practice, experiment, and have fun mastering the game!