Reversi is a free online version of the classic disc flipping strategy game, also known as Othello. Play against the computer or with a friend on the same screen. It runs in your browser with no download or sign up, works on phone and desktop, and keeps working offline once the page has loaded.
Inspired by: Reversi and Othello, the disc flipping board game (1883 and 1971).
How to play Reversi
- Pick Vs computer or 2 players. Black moves first.
- Place a disc on a glowing spot. Your disc must trap one or more enemy discs in a straight line between itself and another disc of yours.
- All trapped discs flip to your colour. Lines can run across, up and down, or diagonally.
- If you have no legal move, your turn is skipped automatically.
- When neither side can move, the player with more discs wins.
Controls
- Keyboard: Arrow keys or WASD move the highlight. Space or Enter places a disc.
- Mouse: Click any glowing spot to place a disc.
- Touch screen: Tap a glowing spot to place a disc.
Tips to score higher
- Corners are the strongest squares because they can never be flipped. Grab them when you can.
- Be careful with the squares next to a corner. They often hand the corner to your opponent.
- Having fewer discs in the middle game is fine. It keeps your options open.
- Aim to leave your opponent with only bad moves, not just to flip many discs.
The story behind Reversi
Reversi was published in England in 1883 and was credited to Lewis Waterman and John W. Mollett, who both claimed the invention. In 1971 a Japanese version called Othello made the game famous across the world with its black and white discs and a fixed starting position. The rules are simple, but strong play needs planning, and clubs and world championships still exist. The phrase a minute to learn, a lifetime to master suits it well. Many of us played it on a green board at a friend's house or on an old computer. This version brings that quiet, clever fun to your browser.
Questions players ask
Is Reversi the same as Othello?
They are very close. Othello is a version of Reversi with a set starting position, and that is how this game starts.
Is Reversi free to play online?
Yes. It is free with no sign up and no download.
What happens if I cannot move?
Your turn is skipped and the other player moves again. The game shows a short message when this happens.
How strong is the computer?
It values corners and edges and looks a few moves ahead. It plays a solid game but can be beaten with good planning.
Can two people play on one device?
Yes. Choose 2 players and take turns on the same screen.