Othello

Othello (also known as Reversi) is a classic two-player abstract strategy game of territory and timing. It’s simple to learn but deeply strategic — “a minute to learn, a lifetime to master.”

Play online against fast, personality-filled AI opponents. Adjust the skill rating (ELO) in 100-point steps to find the perfect challenge, or pick a talkative AI with fun banter to make the game livelier. No installation required — start playing instantly on desktop or mobile.

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Othello

How to Play

Goal of the game:
Control the board by having the majority of your color discs when the board is full or no more moves are possible.

Setup

Othello is played on an 8×8 board. Each player chooses a color — black or white. At the start, four discs are placed in the center: two black and two white, arranged diagonally.

Player Turn

Players take turns placing one of their discs on an empty square, following these rules:

  • The new disc must flank one or more of the opponent’s discs in a straight line (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally).
  • All opponent discs trapped between your new disc and another of your color are flipped to your color.
  • If a player has no legal moves, they pass their turn.
  • The game ends when neither player can move.

End of the Game

When the board is full or no moves remain, the player with the most discs of their color wins.

Quick Tips

  • Corners are key — once taken, they can’t be flipped.
  • Avoid giving your opponent easy access to corners.
  • Edges are strong positions; control them wisely.
  • Sometimes the best move is to wait — forcing your opponent into bad options.

Start a Game on Board Game Buddy

  1. Click Play now.
  2. Choose your AI opponent and its ELO rating (difficulty level).
  3. Turn on chat mode if you want an AI that comments on the match.
  4. Start playing — have fun!

Why Play on Board Game Buddy?

  • Adjustable AI skill — fine-tune difficulty in 100-point steps.
  • Fun AI personalities — talkative bots that banter during the game.
  • Instant play — no downloads, no sign-ups, no heavy setup.
  • Great for practice — train in a relaxed setting, then crush your friends later.