Play Reversi Online Free with Friends

How to play Reversi

1. Two discs each in the middle. Take turns placing a disc so that a straight line of the other colour — in any direction — is trapped between your new disc and one of yours already down. Every trapped disc flips to your colour.
2. A move must flip at least one disc. Your legal squares are marked; hover one to see what it would flip.
3. No legal move? You pass, automatically, and your opponent goes again. When neither player can move the game ends — usually with a full board.
4. Corners cannot be flipped, so they are worth more than anything else on the board; the squares next to a free corner give it away.
5. When the board is full or neither player can move, count the discs: the colour with more wins. Equal counts are a draw.

Reversi strategy

The basics that turn knowing the rules into winning games — what to do first, what to keep, what to avoid.

• Corners can never be flipped — take them when offered, and never play the square diagonally next to an empty corner (it hands the corner over).
• Fewer discs early is better: a small, compact position gives your opponent fewer legal moves and you more.
• Mobility beats material until the end. Play the move that leaves your opponent the fewest good replies, not the one that flips the most.
• Edges are strong only when anchored to a corner; an unanchored edge run can be flipped all at once.
• Hover a marked square to see what it would flip — use it to avoid moves that open a corner.

Reversi FAQ

Is this the same as Othello?

Othello is a trademarked version of this game with a fixed opening; the game itself is reversi and this is that game, with the standard centre start.

What happens if I cannot move?

You pass automatically and your opponent plays again. When neither of you can move, the game is over and the discs are counted.

Can I play the computer?

Yes — add the house bot from the table. It plays a positional game and likes corners as much as you do.

Do I need an account?

No. Type a name and play — no signup, no download, nothing to install. Making an account is optional and only exists to keep your stats, nickname and preferences across devices.

Is it really free?

Yes, all of it. Every game on Board Game Universe is free to play, with no premium tier holding anything back.

Can I play on my phone?

Yes. It runs in a mobile browser on phones and tablets as well as on a desktop — there is no app to download.

How do I play with my friends?

Start a table and send your friends the link. They open it, type a name, and sit down. Moves and table chat happen in real time.

Can I play against the computer?

Yes. Add a bot to any table and it plays a proper game — useful for filling a seat while you wait for a fourth.