Nim

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About Nim

Nim is one of the oldest mathematical games still played. Several piles of objects sit on the table. Players take turns removing one or more objects from a single pile. The player who takes the last object wins (in the most common version). It looks like a simple counting game. It is actually one of the most studied games in combinatorial game theory.

The fascinating thing about Nim is that it has a mathematically perfect strategy. If you know the XOR rule — adding pile sizes in binary — you can always win from a winning position. New players play instinct. Experienced players play maths. Beating a Nim AI is the moment you graduate from one to the other.

This browser Nim plays free with no sign-up. It works on phone with tap-to-remove and on desktop with click. Your win record is stored locally. It is one of the most genuinely educational games on the site — a five-minute game that teaches a real mathematical insight you can use forever.

— How to play

How to play Nim

Hover sticks in a pile to preview
Click to take that many
Take the last stick to win

— Controls

Nim controls

Desktop (mouse & keyboard)

Use arrow keys, WASD, the mouse or spacebar where the game requires it. Specific controls match the "How to play" steps above — each step describes the exact input the game expects.

Mobile (touchscreen)

Tap, hold, swipe or drag — whichever your finger naturally does for the action described in the steps. Nim is mobile-first and works in portrait or landscape on any modern phone or tablet.

— Strategy & tips

How to win

Learn the XOR rule. XOR the pile sizes in binary — if zero, the position is losing.
Aim to leave the opponent in an XOR-zero state on every turn.
In small games, memorise the losing positions: (1,1), (2,2), (3,3) etc. are all instant draws.
When in doubt, count. Nim rewards thinking time.
Play against the AI repeatedly to build pattern recognition.

— Game features

Why you'll love it

Classic mathematical pile-removal game
Solvable strategy that rewards real learning
Win record saved locally between sessions
Free, no download, instant in any browser

— Frequently asked questions

Nim FAQ

Is Nim free to play?

Yes. Nim is completely free to play on GameJadoo. There are no charges, no in-app purchases and no hidden costs.

Do I need to download Nim?

No download is needed. Nim is an HTML5 game that runs directly in your web browser — just open the page and play.

Can I play Nim on mobile?

Yes. Nim works on phones, tablets and computers. Open it in any modern browser to start playing.

Do I need an account to play Nim?

No sign-up or account is required. You can start playing Nim instantly.

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