About the game
Play Reversi online
Flank and flip to own the board: outflank your rival's discs to flip them to your colour.
Play Reversi (Othello) free in your browser: the computer, a friend on one screen, or invite a friend online with a link. Flank and flip to own the board.
Play vs the computer, pass the phone to a friend, invite a friend online, or play someone new. When nobody’s free, one of our robot players may step in. Free, in your browser, no sign-up.
How to play Reversi
- 1Pick who you’re playing: the computer (3 levels), a friend online with a room code, a friend on the same screen, or someone new with Quick match.
- 2Players alternate placing one disc of their colour on an empty square.
- 3Your move must outflank: bracket a straight line of the opponent's discs between your new disc and another of yours.
- 4Every disc you flank flips to your colour. Chain long lines for big board swings.
- 5When you have no legal move you pass; when neither player can move, the most discs wins.
Rules
- The board is 8×8, starting with four discs in the centre (two per player, placed diagonally).
- A legal move must flank at least one opponent disc in a straight line: horizontal, vertical, or diagonal.
- All opponent discs caught between your new disc and an existing one flip to your colour.
- If you have no flanking move available, your turn is skipped (auto-pass).
- The game ends when neither player can move; whoever owns more discs wins, and an equal split is a draw.
Reversi questions
How do you win at Reversi?
Have more discs than your opponent when neither of you can move. Counting early tells you little, because discs flip back and forth all game. What wins is where your discs are.
What's the best Reversi strategy?
Take the corners. A disc in a corner can never be flipped, so it's yours for good. Stay off the three squares next to an empty corner, because they hand it to your opponent.
Is Reversi the same as Othello?
Yes. Othello is the brand name for Reversi with a fixed start: four discs in the middle, two each, set diagonally. That's the start we use.
What happens if you can't move?
You pass and your opponent goes again. When neither of you can move the game ends, even if the board isn't full.
Can I play Reversi with a friend online?
Yes. Tap Invite a friend and send them the link; when they open it you're in the same game. Or pass one phone or tablet between you.
How hard is the computer?
Three levels. Easy makes random moves, Medium goes for the corners, and Hard thinks a few moves ahead. To beat Medium, keep it away from the corners it wants.
The full guide, with strategy: How to win at Reversi