Reversi (Othello)

About Reversi (Othello)

Reversi, also known as Othello, is a classic strategy board game played on an 8×8 grid. The game was popularized in the 1970s under the name Othello, though its origins trace back to the late 19th century. Today, Reversi remains one of the most beloved abstract strategy games, combining simple rules with deep tactical play.

The objective is straightforward: place your discs so that you outflank your opponent's discs. When you place a disc, any of your opponent's discs that lie in a straight line (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) between your new disc and another of your discs are flipped to your color. This creates a cascading effect where a single move can flip many discs and dramatically shift the board's balance.

At the start of the game, four discs are placed in the center: two black and two white, arranged in a checkerboard pattern. Black typically moves first. Each player takes turns placing one disc of their color on an empty square that outflanks at least one opponent disc. If a player has no valid moves, they must pass their turn. The game ends when neither player can make a legal move—usually when the board is full.

Winning requires careful planning. Corner squares are especially valuable because discs in corners cannot be flipped. Controlling the edges and avoiding "bad" squares adjacent to corners (which give your opponent easy corner access) is crucial. Skilled players think several moves ahead, sacrificing short-term gains for long-term board control.

Our online Reversi game features three AI difficulty levels. Easy mode makes occasional mistakes and is perfect for beginners. Medium difficulty offers a solid challenge for intermediate players. Hard mode uses stronger evaluation and lookahead to provide a formidable opponent. Whether you're learning the basics or honing advanced strategy, this free game offers endless replay value.