How to Play Reversi
Reversi is a strategy board game for two players. The game is played on an 8x8 board with pieces that are dark on one side and light on the other. Learn the rules below to start playing!
Game Objective
The goal of Reversi is to have more discs of your color on the board than your opponent when the game ends. Players take turns placing discs on the board, flipping their opponent's discs to their own color.
Starting Position
The game begins with four discs placed in the center of the board in a diagonal pattern:
- Two white discs placed at D4 and E5
- Two black discs placed at E4 and D5
Black always moves first.
How to Make a Move
Players alternate turns, placing one disc of their color on an empty square of the board. A valid move must satisfy these conditions:
- The disc must be placed in an empty square
- The placed disc must trap at least one opponent's disc between the newly placed disc and another disc of the player's color
- The trapped discs can be in any straight direction: horizontal, vertical, or diagonal
When a valid move is made, all trapped opponent discs are flipped to the current player's color.
Example of a Valid Move
If black discs are at positions A1 and C1, and a white disc is at B1, placing a black disc beyond the white disc (at any position that continues the line) will flip the white disc to black.
Valid Move Rules
- Must Flip: A move is only valid if it results in flipping at least one opponent disc
- Multiple Directions: One move can flip discs in multiple directions simultaneously
- Straight Lines Only: Discs can only be flipped in straight lines (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal)
- Complete Line: The line must be continuous with no empty spaces between the bookend discs
Skipping Turns
If a player has no valid moves available, they must pass their turn to the opponent. The opponent then takes another turn. If both players have no valid moves, the game ends.
Game End and Scoring
The game ends when one of the following conditions is met:
- The board is completely filled with discs
- Neither player can make a valid move
When the game ends, the player with more discs of their color on the board wins. If both players have the same number of discs, the game is a draw.
Basic Strategy Tips
1. Corner Control
Corners are the most valuable positions on the board because once captured, they cannot be flipped. Try to secure corners whenever possible and avoid giving your opponent access to them.
2. Edge Strategy
Be careful when playing on edges early in the game. Edge positions adjacent to corners (called X-squares and C-squares) can give your opponent access to corners. It's often better to avoid these positions until later in the game.
3. Mobility
Having more available moves is generally advantageous. Try to maintain multiple move options while limiting your opponent's choices.
4. Disc Count Paradox
Early in the game, having fewer discs can actually be better. This is because it often gives you more move options and makes it harder for your opponent to find good moves. Focus on quality positions rather than quantity.
5. Parity
In the endgame, try to ensure you make the last move. This often requires careful planning throughout the game to control which regions of the board get filled first.
6. Stable Discs
Some discs cannot be flipped for the rest of the game (called stable discs). Corners are always stable, and discs connected to corners along edges are also stable. Creating stable discs is a key strategic goal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Taking too many discs early: Flipping many discs in the opening can backfire
- Playing next to corners: The X-squares and C-squares often give your opponent corner access
- Ignoring mobility: Don't just focus on disc count; consider your move options
- Not planning ahead: Think several moves ahead and consider your opponent's responses
- Neglecting the endgame: The final moves can dramatically change the outcome
Ready to Play?
Now that you understand the rules, you're ready to start playing! Practice against our AI opponents to improve your skills, or challenge real players online.