What Is Reversi (Othello)?
Reversi, also widely known as Othello, is a strategic board game played on an 8x8 grid where two players compete to control the most squares with their colored discs. Each move must outflank one or more of the opponent's discs by placing your disc so that a straight line (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) of opponent discs is enclosed between your new disc and another of your existing discs. All outflanked discs are then flipped to your color. The game was invented in the 1880s and was later trademarked as Othello in 1971 in Japan with the tagline 'a minute to learn, a lifetime to master.' Reversi has become one of the most respected abstract strategy games, with active competitive communities and annual world championships.
How to Play Reversi (Othello)
- The game starts with four discs in the center of the 8x8 board, two of each color placed diagonally.
- Black moves first. You must place a disc adjacent to an opponent's disc such that at least one line of opponent discs is outflanked.
- Outflanked means your new disc and an existing disc of your color enclose a straight line of opponent discs with no gaps.
- All outflanked opponent discs (in all directions) are flipped to your color in a single move.
- If you cannot make a valid move, your turn is skipped and your opponent plays again.
- The game ends when neither player can move or the board is full. The player with the most discs wins.
Basic Rules
- Every move must outflank at least one opponent disc
- All outflanked discs in all directions are flipped in one move
- If no valid move exists, the turn passes to the opponent
- The game ends when neither player can move or the board is full
- The player with the most discs on the board at the end wins
- A disc can outflank in up to eight directions simultaneously
Strategy Tips for Beginners
- Prioritize corners. Corner discs can never be flipped and provide permanent control. They are the most valuable squares on the board.
- Avoid the squares immediately adjacent to empty corners (called X-squares and C-squares). Playing there gives your opponent access to the corner.
- Minimize your disc count in the early game. Having fewer discs means your opponent has fewer places to play, limiting their options.
- Control the edges. Discs on the edge can only be outflanked from one direction, making them relatively stable.
- Think about mobility. The player with more available moves has more flexibility and control over the game.
- In the endgame, maximize your disc count. The strategy shifts from mobility and positioning to flipping as many discs as possible.
Real Examples of Gameplay
Capturing a Corner
Your opponent plays next to an empty corner, giving you the chance to claim it. You place your disc in the corner, permanently securing that position and flipping a diagonal line of discs. Corners are the foundation of a winning strategy.
Edge Control
You build a stable line of discs along the top edge of the board. These discs are hard for your opponent to flip since they can only be outflanked from one direction. Edge control provides a strong positional advantage.
Endgame Maximization
With only a few empty squares remaining, you play a disc that outflanks lines in three directions simultaneously, flipping 12 opponent discs. In the endgame, every move should aim to flip the maximum number of discs.
Variations of Reversi (Othello)
- Standard Reversi (Othello): The classic 8x8 version with the standard starting position. The most widely played competitive format.
- 6x6 Reversi: A smaller board for quicker games. Good for learning strategy basics before playing on the full 8x8 board.
- Anti-Reversi: The goal is reversed. The player with the fewest discs at the end wins. Requires completely different strategic thinking.
Why People Love Reversi (Othello)
- Dramatic momentum swings where the board flips in your favor
- Easy to learn with deeply layered strategic depth
- Quick games that typically last 10 to 20 minutes
- The satisfaction of executing a corner capture strategy
- A truly balanced game where every move creates opportunities and risks
Play Reversi (Othello) Online for Free
Play Reversi for free against our computer opponent. Features legal move highlighting, disc flip animations, and real-time score tracking. Multiple difficulty levels available. No download needed. Works on all devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Reversi and Othello?
The gameplay is essentially identical. Othello is a trademarked version of Reversi with a fixed starting position (four discs in the center). The name Othello is more common in competitive play, while Reversi is the original historical name.
Why are corners so important?
Corner discs can never be outflanked and flipped because there are no squares beyond a corner to enclose them. Once you control a corner, it anchors your position permanently and helps you build stable edges.
Is it better to have more or fewer discs early on?
Counterintuitively, having fewer discs in the early and middle game is often better. Fewer discs means your opponent has fewer targets to outflank, limiting their valid moves and giving you more control over the game's flow.
Start Playing Now
Reversi is a masterpiece of abstract strategy. The simple rule of outflanking creates a game of profound depth where the entire board can change in a single move. Whether you are a beginner learning corners or an expert perfecting mobility play, every game offers a new challenge. Place your first disc now.