How to Play Othello (Reversi)
Hello — ready to learn Othello (Reversi)? This short guide will get you playing fast. For more game pages and tips visit Playmore.
Quick facts
| Game | Players | Type | Components |
|---|---|---|---|
| Othello (Reversi) | 2 | Abstract territory / placement game | Use the components included with the game |
What you are trying to do
Your goal is to have more of your colored discs on the board than your opponent by the time the game ends. You place discs so they sandwich opponent discs in straight lines and flip them to your color. Think ahead, control key squares, and block your opponent.
What you need and how to set up
Use the board and double-sided discs that come with the game. The board is usually an 8×8 grid. Place four starter discs in the center so each player has two of their color there (the exact center layout can vary by edition). Decide who plays dark and who plays light, and pick a starting player. If your set came with rules, keep them handy — different editions or house rules can change small details.
How to play
- On your turn, place one disc on any empty square so that it forms a straight line (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) with another one of your discs, with one or more opponent discs between them.
- When you place a disc this way, flip all opponent discs that lie in those straight lines to your color. You flip only along lines where the placement creates a sandwich ending in your disc.
- If you have at least one legal move you must play it. A legal move is any placement that flips one or more opponent discs.
- If a player has no legal moves, that player passes and the other player continues. If both players have no legal moves, play ends.
- Play alternates until neither player can move. Try to think a few moves ahead and watch for corner and edge opportunities.
How a round or game ends
The round ends when both players have no legal moves left. At that point, count discs of each color on the board. The player with the most discs of their color wins. Some editions or house-rule variants handle ties or scoring differently, so check the rule sheet that came with your set or the official rules for exact tie procedures and any optional scoring rules.
Beginner tips
- Fight for corners. A corner disc can't be flipped and gives you stable territory.
- Avoid giving your opponent a free corner by playing squares next to empty corners carelessly.
- Early play is about positioning, not flipping the most discs. Large flips early often help the opponent later.
- Control the edges when you can. Edge stability is powerful in the late game.
- Practice short sequences and reading 2–3 moves ahead. That will help you spot traps and forced passes.
- Use the rulebook from your set for any edition-specific rules or tournament details.
FAQ
What if I have no legal move?
If you cannot make a move that flips at least one opponent disc, you pass. Play returns to your opponent. If both players pass in a row, the game ends.
How do I win if scores tie?
Tie handling can vary by edition. Many friendly games simply call it a draw, while tournament rules may use tiebreakers. Check your set’s rule sheet for the exact procedure.
Are there common variants for beginners?
Yes. Some groups play on smaller boards or allow different starting patterns to learn faster. These are house rules — use them to practice, but check the official rules included with your game for standard play.
Have fun learning and practicing. Othello is simple to start and deep to explore as you get better.