Learn the game
Rules of Reversi
Reversi is a game of changing territory. Every legal move brackets at least one opposing line, flips those discs, and reshapes the board for the next turn.
The objective
Have more discs showing your color when play ends.
01 · Reversi
Begin with four discs in the center.
Two dark and two light discs occupy the four central squares in a diagonal pattern. Dark moves first, and turns normally alternate.
02 · Reversi
Every move must bracket a line.
Place a disc on an empty square so that one or more straight lines of opposing discs lie between the new disc and another disc of your color. Lines may be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal.
03 · Reversi
Flip every bracketed disc.
All opposing discs enclosed by the move change to your color. One placement may flip several lines in several directions at once.
04 · Reversi
Pass only when no legal move exists.
If you cannot bracket any opposing disc, your turn is automatically passed. If the opponent has a legal move, play continues; passing is not optional.
Corners cannot be flipped and are often strategically valuable.
05 · Reversi
Play ends when neither side can move.
The match ends when the board is full or both players have no legal move. Count every disc: the larger total wins and equal totals draw.
Quick reference
Your turn in four checks
- 01 Find a bracket A legal move must enclose at least one opposing disc.
- 02 Flip every line Resolve all horizontal, vertical, and diagonal captures.
- 03 Respect the pass No legal move means the turn passes automatically.
- 04 Value stable edges Corners and protected edge discs are difficult or impossible to flip.
Ready to play?
Put the rules into practice.
Challenge a bot, find an online match, or invite a friend.