Reversi strategy: how to win more games

Beginners try to flip as many discs as possible. Strong players do almost the opposite. Here’s why, and what to do instead.

1. Corners first

A disc in a corner can never be flipped. Once you own a corner, you can build stable discs along both edges from it. Most games between beginners are decided by who gets the corners.

2. Stay off the X-squares

The X-squares are the squares diagonally next to each corner. Playing there while the corner is empty usually lets your opponent take the corner. The squares next to a corner along the edge (C-squares) are risky too. Avoid both unless you already own the corner.

3. Mobility beats disc count

In the opening and middle game, having fewer discs is often better. Every disc you flip can become a move for your opponent. Aim to keep your options open and your opponent’s limited: choose moves that flip few discs, especially ones in the middle of the board.

4. Endgame: parity and counting

In the last 10–12 moves, count. Try to make the last move in each empty region of the board, since the final move in a region can’t be answered there. When two moves look equal, pick the one that leaves your opponent fewer replies.

5. Pass on purpose

If you can leave your opponent with no legal move, they must pass, and you move twice in a row. Engineering a pass is one of the strongest things you can do.

Practise against the computer in Reversi; the Hard level plays the last ten moves perfectly.