How to play Othello
A quick 5-step guide. Then jump into a game.
🎯 The goal
Othello is played on an 8×8 board with black and white discs. When no one can move, the player with more discs wins. You play black.
▶️ The start
The game begins with four discs in the center. Black always moves first.
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🔁 Flipping discs
Place a disc so the opponent's discs are trapped in a straight line between your new disc and another of yours. Those discs flip to your color.
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place ⚫ →
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place ⚫ →
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✔️ You must flip
You can only play where you'd flip at least one disc. Legal spots are highlighted. If you have no legal move, you pass and the other player goes.
🏆 Winning
The game ends when neither player can move — usually when the board is full. Count the discs: the color with more wins. Equal counts is a draw. Ready?