Nim: rules for kids
Nim is an ancient and simple math game: a few piles of sticks, and on each turn you take from one pile. It hides a mathematical secret you can learn.
👥 2 players🎂 Ages 7+⏱️ 3-5 minutes
How to play Nim
What you need
A few piles or rows of matchsticks, toothpicks, coins or pebbles, for example rows of 1, 3, 5 and 7.
How to play
Players take turns choosing one row and taking as many items from it as they like: at least one, and up to the whole row.
How to win
Whoever takes the very last item wins. In the reverse version, called misere, whoever takes the last item loses.
More board games
- ♟️ ChessThe king of games, learned one piece at a time
- 🔴 Connect FourDrop your discs and line up four in a row
- ❌ Tic-Tac-ToeEvery kid's first game: three in a row
- ⚫ ReversiFlip your opponent's discs to your color
- 🟤 MancalaSow stones in the pits and collect them in your store
- ⬜ Dots and BoxesDraw lines and close the boxes
- 🐍 Snakes and LaddersRoll the die, climb the ladders, slide down the snakes
- ⚫ CheckersPlay online, learn and print the rules
- 🎲 BackgammonPlay online, learn and print the rules
Frequently asked questions
Is there a sure way to win at nim?
Yes. Write the size of each row in binary and combine them with XOR (add each column of digits without carrying). If the result is zero after your turn, you are on track to win. It is one of the most famous results in game theory.
What can kids learn from nim?
Counting, planning ahead and spotting patterns. Older kids can use it as a fun first taste of binary numbers.