How to Play Othello (Reversi)

Othello, also known as Reversi, is a two-player strategy board game played on an 8×8 grid. This guide explains how to play Othello step by step, including the rules, legal moves, and how the game begins and ends. It is intended for beginners as well as players looking for a clear reference to the official rules.

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Objective

The objective of Othello is to finish the game with more discs of your color on the board than your opponent.

Players take turns placing discs on the board. Any opponent discs that become trapped between the disc you place and another disc of your color are flipped to your color.

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The Othello Board

• The game is played on an 8×8 board
• Each square can hold one disc
• Discs are black on one side and white on the other

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Board Setup (Start of the Game)

Every game of Othello begins in the same way:

• Four discs are placed in the center of the board
• The discs are arranged diagonally
• Black always moves first

This fixed starting position ensures a balanced opening.

Initial Board State

At the start of the game, Black has exactly four legal moves. Any other move would be illegal because it would not flip an opponent disc.

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First Move: Black

On a player’s turn, they must place a disc that flips at least one opponent disc. If no discs are flipped, the move is not allowed.

A common opening move for Black is E3.

Example: Black Plays E3

In this move:

• Black places a disc on E3
• The White disc on E4 is trapped vertically
• The trapped disc flips from White to Black

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Second Move: White

After Black moves, it is White’s turn. White must also place a disc that flips at least one Black disc.

A typical response is D3.

Example: White Plays D3

In this move:

• White places a disc on D3
• The Black disc on D4 is trapped
• The trapped disc flips from Black to White

This demonstrates how discs can be flipped back and forth as control of the board changes.

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Legal Moves in Othello

A move is legal if all of the following are true:

1. The chosen square is empty
2. At least one opponent disc is trapped in a straight line (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal)
3. All trapped discs are flipped as part of the move

If no discs are flipped, the move is illegal.

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Passing a Turn

If a player has no legal moves available:

• They must pass their turn
• The opponent continues playing

The game ends when neither player can make a legal move.

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Basic Strategy Notes

• Corner squares are extremely valuable because discs placed there cannot be flipped
• Playing next to corners early in the game is usually risky
• Disc count is less important early on than board control and mobility
• Limiting your opponent’s legal moves is a key strategic goal

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End of the Game

The game ends when:

• The board is completely full, or
• Neither player has a legal move

The player with the most discs on the board wins the game.

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Summary

Othello is easy to learn but strategically deep. Understanding how legal moves work and how discs flip is essential for improving your play. With practice, players can develop stronger opening strategies and better endgame control.