Reversi is a board game consisting of a simple 8x8 monochrome grid and 64 pieces of coin-like pieces whose two sides have opposing colors – one light and the other dark. The object of Reversi is to gain a majority of the playing pieces that should all be placed on the board by the time the game ends.
This game is also known as Othello, and its tag line is “A minute to learn – a lifetime to master.” It does take a minute to learn, but if you take the time to read about the strategies of this abstract strategy game, you just might be able to fast-track your progress in Reversi.
Only two players at a time may play. Each Reversi player chooses a color for their playing pieces. These are usually black and white, but variants may have any light/dark combination. Play starts with four pieces in the center of the board, with pieces diagonal to each other of the same color. The player who picks the dark color takes the first turn.
To be able to “take” a piece, Player 1 places a piece, dark side up, on the board in such a way that there would be at least one straight line (either diagonal horizontal, or vertical) between the newly laid piece and another dark piece, with one or more adjoining light pieces between them.
Player 1 then “turns over” or “reverses” the opponent’s pieces which are then counted as his. As a rule of thumb, you can’t lay a new piece next to a laid piece (of the same color as yours) which is found on the straight line where you want to reverse the opponent’s pieces.
Once done, Player 2 takes his turn and looks for a square where he can lay a new piece and similarly reverse the opponent’s pieces in his favor. This means that he can immediately recoup the pieces which Player 1 has just claimed as his, if he so wishes.
Since the object of the game is to gain the majority of the pieces when all the squares have been filled in (at the end-game), this means that it doesn’t matter much if you have very few pieces in your color during the first few moves or the mid-game. What’s important is the technique you employ.
Those new to the game usually look for moves that will flip the greatest number of playing pieces, but those who have had a lot of experience playing Reversi pay more attention to securing the corners and the edges.
When an opportunity arises to secure a corner, this must be done immediately. This is because corners are “secured” once taken. Pieces placed on corners cannot be flipped further as an opposite color cannot be placed behind it to cause a flip. It isn’t advisable, though, to take hold of a corner too early on as this may leave “holes” on the edges which the opponent can take advantage of.
You can also plan your moves in in ways that will force your opponent to make certain moves, leaving the good squares to yourself. Just like chess, Reversi requires an anticipation of the other’s moves, not just an evaluation of the current situation.
