Reversi (Othello) is a strategy game played on an 8×8 board with black and white stones. Players trap opponent stones to flip them to their color. The player with the most stones at the end wins.
5-Minute Quick Start
Ready to play immediately:
- Set up an 8×8 board with 4 stones placed diagonally in the center
- Black goes first, placing one stone on any empty square
- Flip all opponent stones trapped between your stones in any direction
- Take turns placing stones as long as you can flip at least one stone
- Game ends when neither player can move. Most stones wins!
What is Reversi?
Reversi is a classic strategy board game invented in Britain in the 19th century. It's also known as "Othello" - the trademarked commercial version. The game features a unique flipping mechanism where captured stones switch sides rather than being removed.
Game Time
10-30 minutes
Difficulty
Easy to learn, hard to master
Players
2 players
Board and Initial Setup
Reversi is played on an 8×8 = 64 square board. Stones are double-sided with black and white faces that can be flipped to change color.
Initial Setup: Place 4 stones diagonally in the center squares (d4, e4, d5, e5). White stones go on d4 and e5, black stones on e4 and d5.
Basic Rules: Placement and Flipping
How to Place Stones
- Black moves first: The game always starts with black
- Place on empty squares: You cannot place stones where stones already exist
- Must flip at least one stone: You cannot place a stone unless it flips opponent stones
- Check all 8 directions: Look horizontally, vertically, and diagonally for flipping opportunities
The Flipping Mechanism
How to trap and flip opponent stones:
- Place your stone on an empty square
- Look in all 8 directions (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) from your new stone
- Find directions where opponent stones are lined up continuously
- If there's another of your stones at the end of that line, the trap is complete
- Flip all opponent stones between your two stones in all valid directions simultaneously
Example: Black plays c4
Before
Place black stone on □...
After
White stone flips to black
Pass and Endgame
Passing
You can only pass when you have no legal moves available.
- Automatic pass: When no valid moves exist, you must pass
- No voluntary passing: You cannot choose to pass if legal moves are available
- Turn switches: After passing, the turn goes to your opponent
Game End
The game ends when:
- Board is full: All 64 squares are occupied
- Both players pass: Neither player has any legal moves
- Winner determined: Player with most stones showing their color wins
- Draw: Equal stone count (32-32) results in a tie
Fouls and Illegal Moves
| Illegal Action | Description | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| No stones flipped | Placing a stone that doesn't flip any opponent stones | Invalid move, must try again |
| Voluntary pass | Choosing to pass when legal moves are available | Not allowed, must place a stone |
| Moving placed stones | Trying to move stones to different squares | Stones remain where placed |
| Partial flipping | Only flipping some of the trapped stones | All trapped stones must be flipped |
Winning Strategies
Control the Corners
Corner stones can never be flipped, making them permanently secure.
- • Corners are the highest priority targets
- • Avoid X-squares (diagonal to corners) which give corners to opponents
- • Take any opportunity to secure a corner
Stabilize the Edges
Edge stones are relatively safe and help create stable stone chains.
- • Build stable lines from corners along edges
- • Avoid isolated edge plays in the middle of edges
- • Prevent opponent edge dominance
Focus on Mobility
In the midgame, number of available moves is more important than stone count.
- • Reduce opponent's options while keeping your own
- • Don't grab too many stones early on
- • Consider the timing of when to give moves to opponent
Master Parity
In the endgame, having the last move can be decisive.
- • Count remaining moves in each region
- • Choose whether to take or give the final move
- • Use parity for endgame reversals
Reversi Glossary
- Legal Move
- A move that places a stone and flips at least one opponent stone.
- Stable Stone
- A stone that can never be flipped in any future game state, such as corners and stable edges.
- Mobility
- The number of legal moves available in a given position. Higher mobility gives more strategic options.
- X-Square
- A square diagonally adjacent to a corner. Often a bad move that gives the corner to the opponent.
- C-Square
- A square directly adjacent (horizontally or vertically) to a corner. Generally risky but less dangerous than X-squares.
- Parity
- The even/odd nature of remaining moves. Determines who gets the final move in different board regions.
- Edge
- The border rows and columns of the board (a-file, h-file, rank 1, rank 8).
- Wedge
- A move that splits opponent stones, often creating strategic advantages in the middle game.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Reversi and Othello?
They're essentially the same game. "Othello" is a trademarked commercial version with standardized rules and tournament play, while "Reversi" is the generic name for the game type.
When can you pass in Reversi?
You can only pass when you have absolutely no legal moves available. Voluntary passing when moves exist is not allowed - you must place a stone if any legal moves are possible.
Why are corner positions so important?
Corner stones have only 3 adjacent squares (instead of 8), making them impossible to trap from behind. Once you place a stone in a corner, it can never be flipped and becomes a permanently stable position.
What are the best opening moves?
The four standard opening moves are c4, d3, e6, and f5. Each leads to different strategic patterns, with c4 and f5 being popular choices for beginners due to their balanced nature.
Is it good to capture many stones early?
Not necessarily. In the early and middle game, having more moves available (mobility) is often more valuable than having more stones. Taking too many stones can limit your options and give your opponent strategic advantages.
What happens if I forget to flip stones?
The missing flips should be corrected immediately when noticed. In friendly games, both players should help ensure all required flips are made. In digital versions, flipping is automatic.
You're Ready to Play Reversi!
You've mastered the rules of Reversi!
Try out VSPocket's Reversi game to put your new knowledge into practice. Simple rules, deep strategy - perfect for quick matches or serious study!
Tips for improvement:
- Secure the corners - Prioritize permanent positions that can't be flipped
- Play cautiously early - Don't grab stones without considering mobility
- Stabilize edges - Build safe zones from corners outward
- Watch mobility - Keep your options open while limiting opponent's
- Count to the end - Use parity to control the endgame
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