Do you want to play a board game that requires you to think and strategize while fetching you a ton of fun? Reversi is for you!
Reversi is a classic board game played between two players on an 8×8 grid. In this game, players place colored discs to flank and flip the opponent’s pieces. The aim is to turn the opponent’s pieces into your own.
Sounds fun? So, here’s everything you must know to learn how to play Reversi board game.
What is Reversi?
Reversi board game is a two-player game played on an 8×8 grid where players take turns placing their colored discs to capture and flip the opponent’s pieces. The goal is to have most of your discs facing up when the board is full. It’s an easy-to-learn yet strategically rich game that nurtures your critical thinking and adaptability. The gameplay of offense and defense keeps you fully engaged. Today, you will also find the online version of the game.
History of Reversi
Reversi, also known as the Othello game, has a fascinating history. The game’s modern form came into existence in the late 19th century in England. Two Englishmen, Lewis Waterman and John W. Mollett, patented it as Reversi in 1888, and the game gained popularity.
In the 1970s, a Japanese company secured the rights and introduced it as the Othello game, the name by which it’s widely recognized today. It was named Othello, inspired by the Shakespearean play “Othello, the Moor of Venice.” The name was chosen for its association with a tragic story of love, jealousy, betrayal, and all the unfolding drama, which the game’s creators believed added a memorable dimension to the simple yet strategic gameplay. In fact, the green board is inspired by the green field where the battle took place.
Othello is a strategic classic that is popular worldwide. Tournaments and championships are held today, and there are even online versions available.
How To Play Reversi?
Whether playing a computer version or offline, these are the standard reversi game rules you must follow. Take a look at how to play the Reversi board game. If you are familiar with Othello, almost the same rules apply here.
Number of Players
Reversi is a two-player board game and is designed for head-to-head play. Each player takes turns placing colored discs on the board to capture and flip their opponent’s pieces.
Who Plays First?
In Reversi, the player with the anchoring dark piece typically goes first. The dark discs are usually black, and the contiguous light pieces are often white.
Setup
Reversi games are played on an 8×8 grid. The board game has a straightforward setup for a new game. Each player has a set of discs- black and white. The game begins with four discs placed in the center in a square of alternating colors. You start moving these pieces on the remaining squares on the board to start the game.
The Objective
The objective of Reversi is to have the majority of your colored discs facing up on the game board when filled. The player with the most colored discs facing up on the game wins. The game concludes when no more legal moves are left, and the board is filled with discs.
Gameplay
In Reversi, the player with the dark discs usually goes first. You take turns placing one disc of your assigned color on an empty square on the board. A move is valid only if it results in the flipping of at least one of the opponent’s game pieces by trapping them between the newly placed disc and another disc of your color.
Discs can be flipped in a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal straight line. When you move around the opponent’s piece with your own on both ends, the trapped discs are flipped to your color. You can make multiple flips in a single move if the opponent’s piece is trapped in different directions.
The game continues until the entire board is filled with discs, or no player can make a legal move. If players cannot legally move on their turn, they pass, and their opponent continues to play. The game ends when the board is full. The rules remain the same even if you play Reversi online against a computer opponent.
Summarizing Reversi Game Rules
- Each player starts with two pieces in the center, diagonally opposite each other.
- Players take turns placing one piece on the board.
- A move is valid if it flanks one or more of the opponent’s pieces between the newly placed piece and another piece of the same color.
- All opponent’s pieces between the new piece and another piece of the same color are flipped to the player’s color.
- If no valid move is possible, the player must pass their turn.
- The game ends when the board is full, or no valid moves are left.
- The player with the most pieces of their color on the board at the end wins.
Reversi Game Tips and Tricks
Now you know how to play the Reversi game. But now, let’s discover a few tips and tricks on how to win at reversi!
Grab The Corners
In this game, nabbing those corner spots early is a smart move. Why? Because discs in the corners are tricky to flip. Securing these spots isn’t just a short-term win but sets you up for the entire game. Opponents find breaking through these corners tricky, giving you a strategic edge. This holds even if you are playing Reversi online with a computer opponent.
Edge Play
Just like with the corners, controlling the edges of the board in Reversi games is crucial. It limits your opponent’s options. Prioritize moves that secure and build along the edges. Securing and expanding along these edges allows you to control the pace and limit your opponent’s movement through the game.
Think Ahead
When it comes to this board game, you need to be at least a couple of moves ahead in your mind. Look at all the available spots and understand the risks and rewards each move will fetch you. Try also to understand what your opponent will do when you go with a particular move. Thinking ahead is a crucial strategy that you must master.
Mobility
Mobility is a key factor in Reversi’s strategy. A player with high mobility has greater flexibility, which allows them to adapt to developing game situations. You can dictate the game’s flow by maintaining open pathways and avoiding overly clustered positions. You can try to control the central squares to increase your influence over the board. Central control gives you more options for moves and limits your opponent’s freedom. Also, try to avoid creating clusters of your pieces. This helps maintain mobility because clustered pieces limit your options for future moves.
Limit the Number of Pieces
Limit the number of pieces you have on the board at the start of the game. Remember, there is no need to rush. A few pieces help you strategically control the game’s flow and set yourself up for a stronger mid and endgame. This strategy involves sacrificing a few pieces early to gain control over key positions and improve mobility. By intentionally placing fewer pieces on the board in the early stages, you are sacrificing immediate control for better positioning. This can help you secure essential corners, edges, or central squares crucial for the overall strategy.
Look For Opportunities
Make sure you maintain open spaces in the game. Why? Because if you run out of available spaces to place your pieces, you will lose a turn. This will give your opponent an advantage. By leaving ample open spaces, you ensure that you always have options for placing your discs and can adapt your strategy based on how the game progresses.
FAQs
How to win at Reversi game?
To win a Reversi game, aim to have most of your colored discs facing up when the 8×8 board is filled. In this game, players place their discs strategically and flip the other player’s pieces on the board to their assigned color facing up. It is always best to capture corners and edges for tactical advantages.
Is Reversi a solved game?
Hiroki Takizawa, a bioinformatician at Preferred Networks in Japan, has reportedly achieved a breakthrough in solving Othello or Reversi.
What is the difference between the Othello game and Reversi?
Othello and Reversi are the same game. It was previously known as Reversi before being rebranded to Othello in the 1970s.
Is Reversi a real game?
Yes, Reversi is indeed a real and widely played board game. It is also known as the name Othello, a trademarked version of the game. You can also play the Reversi game online against a computer or even other players from across the globe.
What is the aim of the Reversi game?
The aim in the Reversi board game is to have the majority of your colored discs facing up on the game board when it is full.
Is Othello harder than chess?
Othello and chess offer different challenges. While chess has more complex rules and a larger decision tree, Othello demands a robust strategy. The difficulty level depends on individual preferences.
Is a Reversi board different than an Othello board?
No, a Reversi board and an Othello board are the same. Both games use an 8×8 grid, and the rules for placing and flipping pieces are identical. The games have different names, but Othello is essentially a modern commercial version of Reversi.
Is Othello good for the brain?
Yes, Othello is beneficial for the brain. Playing enhances critical thinking, strategic planning, and pattern recognition. It stimulates cognitive skills and promotes mental agility. To put it simply, it is a mentally engaging and enjoyable activity.
Why is Othello so popular?
Othello is a popular game because it offers a blend of simplicity and strategic depth. It is easy to learn yet challenging to master. So, it attracts players of all ages. The gameplay also requires offense and defense, making it more engaging.
