Updated
About Reversi
Reversi is a classic two-player strategy game played on an 8×8 board with discs that are dark on one side and light on the other. The game starts with four discs in the center. Players take turns placing a disc so that it traps a straight line of the opponent’s discs between the new disc and another of their own. Every trapped disc is flipped to the mover’s color. When neither player can move, the player with more discs wins.
A single move can flip a whole row, so the lead can change hands many times and the final count is often a surprise. Good Reversi is about position rather than grabbing discs: corners and stable edges decide most games. This TapGameHub version lets you play against the computer or a friend on the same screen, with optional move hints and undo.
How to play
- You play Dark and move first. Small rings show where you are allowed to play.
- Place a disc on an empty square that traps at least one light disc in a straight line: horizontally, vertically or diagonally, between your new disc and an existing dark disc.
- All trapped discs flip to your color. One move can flip discs in several directions at once.
- Your opponent then does the same with light discs.
- If a player has no legal move, that turn is passed automatically.
- When neither side can move, the game ends and the player with more discs wins.
A gold dot marks the most recent move, so you can see where your opponent just played.
Controls
| Action | Mouse | Touch |
|---|---|---|
| Place a disc | Click an empty square | Tap an empty square |
| Show or hide legal moves | Hints button | Hints button |
| Take back a move | Undo button | Undo button |
| Choose an opponent | vs Computer or 2 Players | vs Computer or 2 Players |
| Start over | New game button | New game button |
Against the computer, Undo goes back to your last turn, taking back the computer’s reply as well.
Strategy tips
- Take the corners. A disc in a corner can never be flipped. Corners anchor stable edges and usually decide the game.
- Avoid the squares next to empty corners. The diagonal square next to a corner is the most dangerous, because it often hands that corner to your opponent. The two edge squares beside a corner are risky too.
- Do not grab too many discs early. In the opening, fewer discs often means more choices later. Flipping lots of discs gives your opponent more targets.
- Limit your opponent’s moves. A move that leaves your opponent only bad options is often stronger than one that flips more discs. Forcing a pass is ideal.
- Build stable edges. Edge discs that connect to a corner cannot be flipped back. Extend them carefully.
- Count at the end. In the last few moves, check how many discs each option flips. The endgame is where most points change hands.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I have no legal move?
Your turn is skipped automatically and a short message tells you that you had to pass. Play continues with your opponent. If neither player can move, the game ends right away, even when some squares are still empty.
How is the winner decided?
When the game ends, the player with more discs of their color on the board wins. If both players have the same number of discs, the game is a draw. The counters at the top show the current totals throughout the game.
What do the small rings on the board mean?
They mark every square where the current player can legally place a disc. You can switch them off with the Hints button if you want a tougher challenge, and the game remembers your choice.
How strong is the computer?
The computer looks a few moves ahead and values corners and edges highly while avoiding squares that give corners away. It also tries to limit how many moves you have. It is a good practice partner and can be beaten once you learn corner strategy.
Is my game saved if I close the page?
The game remembers your opponent mode and your hint setting in this browser. A game in progress is not saved, so closing or reloading the page starts a new game.
Can two people play on one device?
Yes. Choose 2 Players and take turns on the same screen. Dark always moves first. Switching between vs Computer and 2 Players starts a new game.
Game not loading or controls not responding? See help with loading, controls and saves.
