[posts]


Othello
by Asterion
05 JUN 2025

I've been getting interested in abstract strategy games this week. Othello (or Reversi) is probably my favorite one I've looked into so far. It's very simple in both it's rules and aesthetic (which I personally like), but it can be very strategic. Also, unlike chess, I don't have to worry about what every piece on the board does (where they go, how they attack, etc.).



Othello is played on an 8x8 square grid. The pieces are 64 discs that are white on one side and black on the other. Two players pick a color to play as and the game begins, with four discs in the center in alternating colors to start. Players alternate moves, starting with black. A move is only valid if it sandwiches one or more of the opponent's discs between your new disc and another of your own, in a straight line (horizontal, vertical or diagonal). After your move you flip all sandwiched discs to your color. If you can't make a valid move you skip your turn, and if neither of you can move the game ends. Whoever has the most discs at the end is the winner.

Like chess, Othello strategy is about control. Controlling the corners is good since corner pieces can't be flipped, and owning them gives you long-term stability. The edges are also stronger than center positions and less vulnerable to flips. WikiHow has a great guide if you're curious enough to look.