Othello is a classic two-player abstract strategy board game known for its simple rules but deep strategic complexity. It’s also widely known as Reversi, which is the original name for the game concept, while “Othello” is a trademarked version developed in Japan in the 1970s.
Here’s a breakdown of the game:
1. The Basics
- Players: 2
- Board: An 8×8 grid.
- Pieces: 64 identical discs, black on one side and white on the other.
- Objective: To have more of your color discs on the board than your opponent when the game ends.
2. History
The game of Reversi was invented in England in 1883 by two different individuals, Lewis Waterman and John W. Mollett. It gained significant popularity in the late 19th century. In 1971, a Japanese salesman named Goro Hasegawa re-introduced the game with slightly modified rules and rebranded it as “Othello,” referencing Shakespeare’s play because of the ongoing conflict between black and white forces. It became a worldwide phenomenon.
3. Setup
- The board starts empty.
- Four discs are placed in the center four squares in a specific pattern:
- White, Black
- Black, White
(So, two white discs are diagonally opposite, and two black discs are diagonally opposite.)
- Players choose a color (typically Black starts).
4. Gameplay
Players take turns placing one disc of their color on the board.
- Placing a Disc:
- A player must place a disc in a way that “outflanks” (surrounds) at least one of their opponent’s discs.
- Outflanking means placing your disc such that there is a straight line (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) of your discs with one or more opponent’s discs in between them.
- Example: If it’s Black’s turn and there’s a White disc, and then an empty square, Black can place their disc in that empty square if there’s another Black disc on the other side of the White disc
(B W _ -> B W B).
- Flipping Discs:
- Once a disc is placed and outflanks opponent’s discs, all the outflanked opponent’s discs along that straight line are flipped to the current player’s color.
- A single placement can outflank and flip discs in multiple directions simultaneously.
- Valid Moves:
- A player must make a valid move that results in at least one opponent’s disc being flipped.
- If a player cannot make any valid move, they must pass their turn. The opponent then plays again.
- A player can only pass if they have no valid moves.
5. End of Game
The game ends when:
- Neither player can make a valid move (most commonly, when all 64 squares are filled).
- One player has no discs left on the board (this is rare, as usually the game ends before this).
6. Winning
- At the end of the game, all discs on the board are counted.
- The player with the most discs of their color wins.
- A tie is possible if both players have the same number of discs (e.g., 32-32).
7. Strategy & Tips
Despite its simple rules, Othello is renowned for its strategic depth. Key strategic concepts include:
- Corners are King: The four corner squares are the most valuable positions on the board. Once you occupy a corner, that disc can never be flipped, as it has no diagonal or straight lines extending beyond it in two directions. Owning a corner gives you a strong anchor.
- Edges are Important: Edges are also generally good, but not as secure as corners. An edge disc can still be flipped along the edge or diagonally into the board.
- Mobility: Keeping your options open and restricting your opponent’s options is crucial. A player with fewer valid moves often finds themselves in a worse position.
- Stability: Creating stable groups of your discs that cannot be flipped is a long-term goal. Discs in corners and fully surrounded groups are stable.
- Don’t Go for Disc Count Early: In the early and mid-game, having many discs is often a disadvantage, as it gives your opponent more opportunities to flip your pieces. Focus on good positioning and controlling key areas, especially the access to corners.
- Avoid C-squares and X-squares: These are the squares adjacent to the corners. Placing a disc in a C-square (next to a corner, like B1 or A2) or an X-square (diagonal to a corner, like B2) early in the game often gives your opponent a direct opportunity to take the valuable corner.
- Parity: Advanced players consider “parity,” which involves understanding who will make the last move in certain sections of the board, especially near the end of the game.
Othello is an excellent game for developing tactical thinking, foresight, and strategic planning, making it popular among casual players and competitive enthusiasts alike.