Reversi (Othello)

Reversi or Othello — Same Game, Two Names

Reversi is a two-player strategy game played on an 8x8 board, where you capture your opponent's discs by trapping them in a straight line between two of your own. Whichever color has the most discs on the board when the game ends wins. You'll often see this game called Othello too — that's the standardized, trademarked version of Reversi, and in modern play (including here) the rules are the same: the board starts with four discs already placed in the center, and if you have no legal move on your turn, you simply pass. If you've been searching for either name, you're in the right place.

How to Play

The board starts with two discs of each color placed diagonally in the four center squares. Players take turns placing one disc at a time, always in a spot that traps one or more of the opponent's discs between the new disc and another disc of their own color — horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Every disc caught in that line flips to your color. If you can't make a legal move, your turn is skipped and play passes to your opponent. The game ends when the board is full or neither player has a move left, and whoever has more discs showing their color wins.

Two Ways to Play

• Play with a friend: Challenge someone else directly and see who reads the board better.
• Play against the AI: No second player around? Face off against the computer opponent instead.
• Both modes run in a clean, modern interface — no setup, no physical board needed.

Quick Strategy Tips

Flipping the most discs early isn't actually the goal — board position matters more than disc count until the very end.

• Go for corners. A disc in a corner can never be flipped, giving you a permanent foothold to build from.
• Avoid the squares next to corners early on. Playing there too soon can hand your opponent an easy path to the corner itself.
• Watch your mobility. Having more legal moves than your opponent gives you more control — sometimes it's better to make a quieter move than to grab the most discs available right now.
• Be careful with edges. They're valuable, but claiming an edge too early can leave a gap your opponent uses to fight back.

FAQ

Is Reversi the same as Othello? In modern play, yes — both use the same 8x8 board, the same diagonal starting position, and the same rules for capturing and passing. "Othello" is the standardized, branded version, and "Reversi" is the original name; today they're played identically.

How many players does it need? Exactly two — one player per color. If you don't have a second player, you can play against the computer instead.

How long does a game take? A single game is quick, generally playable in well under half an hour, making it an easy pick for a short mental break.

What's the best opening strategy? Prioritize corner control and mobility over grabbing the most discs early — the player with more available moves usually ends up in control of the board.