Easy Reversi Rules and Basic How-to-Play Guide for Beginners
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Even if you are playing Reversi for the first time, the basic rules are very simple. In this article, we gently explain the essential Reversi rules, including board regulations and how to outflank discs.
Enjoying Reversi on an 8x8 Board: Rules and Basic Flow
Games are played on a board of 64 squares in total. Using black and white discs, players take turns placing 1 disc at a time.
Figure 1 as text
Black discs (4): e4 d5 e5 f5
White discs (1): d4
To move: White
Last move: f5
Key squares: e5
Board (from rank 1): ......../......../......../...WB.../...BBB../......../......../........
When placing a disc, you must outflank the opponent's discs with your own. In this diagram, when Black plays f5, the white disc on e5 caught between Black's discs is flipped to black. All opponent discs outflanked vertically, horizontally, or diagonally are flipped to your color. If there is no valid square, you pass your turn. The game ends when the board is full or neither player can make a move. The remaining discs on the board are counted, and the color with more discs wins.
Play in the app
Small dots mark every playable square, so you can learn the rules as you play your first game.
Key Squares and Practical Tips to Learn First
Once you become familiar with Reversi rules, pay attention to where you place your discs. Understanding important squares and basic principles helps you play calmly and steadily.
- Focus on the four corners: Corner squares cannot be outflanked and flipped by your opponent. Securing them gives you a major advantage.
- Avoid flipping too many discs in the opening phase: Flipping many discs early on gives your opponent more moves while reducing your own options.
- Keep your options open: Carefully observing where you can outflank discs next while expanding steadily is the fastest path to improvement.
Figure 2 as text
Black discs (5): b3 e4 d5 e5 f5
White discs (7): b2 d2 c3 d3 e3 d4 f4
To move: Black
Key squares: a1
Board (from rank 1): ......../.W.W..../.BWWW.../...WBW../...BBB../......../......../........
In this diagram, Black can play the corner square at a1. Discs in the four corners can never be outflanked from the outside, making them secure strongholds that will never be flipped for the rest of the game.
Learn in a Japanese Atmosphere with the App Legends
With the portrait-mode smartphone Reversi app Legends, even beginners who do not know the Reversi rules can play with ease. Playable squares where you can outflank discs are shown with small dots, letting you play smoothly from your very first game without hesitation.
In this game, your journey against 50 opponents is powered by an AI that thinks on the device, allowing you to play calmly to the end without an internet connection. Opponents unlock sequentially as you tour Edo at no extra cost, letting you enjoy a classic Japanese atmosphere alone in your spare time.
Furthermore, you can review completed games move by move using the transcript. Examining your moves and opponent responses makes mastering the basics intuitive and enjoyable.
Frequently asked questions
What happens when I have no move to outflank the opponent's discs?
If there are no valid squares to outflank opposing discs, your turn is skipped and passed to the opponent. In Reversi, you can only play where you can outflank and flip opposing discs; if no such square exists, you must pass. Play alternates until neither player can move or the board is full.
Why is it important to take the corner squares in Reversi?
Corner squares cannot be outflanked and flipped by the opponent. Securing the four corners gives you solid footholds to guide the game favorably. Aiming for the corners is therefore a fundamental strategy.
Can I play Legends without knowing the rules of Reversi?
Yes, you can play from your very first game without knowing any rules. Legends highlights playable squares with small dots so you never get lost. You can also review completed games move by move via the transcript, naturally learning the basics while playing.
Can I play single-player games offline without an internet connection?
Yes, you can play solo to the end even without mobile signal. The AI in Legends thinks directly on your device, allowing you to enjoy the 50-opponent journey offline. An internet connection is only needed when playing matches against human players.
Play in the app
Tour the sights of Edo and face 50 opponents across the board in the Reversi app Legends. The AI thinks directly on your device, so you can play anywhere without signal.