Nim
Take 1, 2 or 3. Don't take the last one.
- Players
- 1–2 players
- Time
- 1–10 min
- Ages
- 6+
- Where
- Same room or online
- You need
- Nothing but this page
How to play Nim
- 1Start with a pile of sticks: 15, 21 or 31.
- 2Players take turns removing one, two or three sticks.
- 3Whoever is forced to take the very last stick loses.
- Player 1: 0
- Player 2: 0
Player 1's turn
21 sticks left
Take 1, 2 or 3 sticks. Whoever takes the last stick loses.
Variations
- Real sticks: play with matches, coins or sweets on a table. Whoever loses eats nothing!
Tips
- There's a winning trick involving multiples of four. Play the computer until you spot it.
Great for
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