Corner · 角
The four edge corners. Once taken they can never be flipped — the most valuable squares on the board.
Reversi Rules
Reversi — also sold as Othello — is a two-player strategy game on an 8×8 board. You don't capture by jumping; you surround the opponent's discs and flip them to your colour. The rules take a minute to learn; the endgame takes a lifetime.
Objective
- Finish the game with more of your own discs on the board than your opponent.
- The game ends when neither player can move. Whoever holds the majority of discs wins — the board does not need to be full.
Board & Setup
- The board is 8×8 squares.
- Play begins with four discs in the centre: two white and two black, placed diagonally so the same colours face each other.
Turn Order
- Black moves first, then players alternate, placing exactly one disc per turn on an empty square.
- A move is legal only if it flips at least one opponent disc. If you have no legal move, you must pass.
Flipping
- Place your disc so it traps a straight line (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) of one or more opponent discs between your new disc and another of your own.
- Every opponent disc in that line flips to your colour. A single move can flip in several directions at once.
Corners & Edges
- Corner squares can never be flipped, so holding a corner is a huge advantage and lets you build safely along the edge.
- The squares next to a corner (the "X" and "C" squares) are weak — taking them often hands your opponent the corner. Strong players grab corners and avoid those traps.
Key Squares
A few board positions every player should know:
X-square · X 点
The diagonal square next to a corner. Taking it usually gives your opponent the corner — a classic trap.
C-square · C 点
The square beside a corner along the edge. Also dangerous; it invites the opponent to take the corner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you play Reversi (Othello)?
Players take turns placing discs so they flank a straight line of the opponent's discs; the flanked discs flip to your colour. If you have no legal move, you must pass.
How do you win at Reversi?
The game ends when neither side can move. Whoever has more discs of their colour on the board wins. Corners are the strongest squares because they can never be flipped.
Why are the corners so important?
Once you hold a corner, that disc can never be flipped, and it lets you expand along the edge. Strong players grab corners and avoid the weak squares next to them.
Can I play Reversi online for free?
Yes. On YiBoard, open /reversi to play free against AI with several difficulty levels — no signup required.