Q&A for How to Play Othello

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  • Question
    The discs at 4 corners of the board cannot be flip after being placed there right? But we can flip those alongside the edges?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Correct, any disks placed in the corners will stay their original color throughout the entire game, but pieces along the edge may still be flipped as long as there are open spaces.
  • Question
    Is it a valid move to place disc between the two opponent's discs as long as it outflanks other discs of the opponent?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Yes, you can place your disk anywhere as long as at least 1 of your opponent's disks sandwiched between 2 of your pieces a straight horizontal, vertical, or diagonal row.
  • Question
    If you place a black peice in the middle of a white line with black pieces at either side can you flip the whole line ?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Yes, you can flip multiple rows if playing a piece outflanks 2 or more at the same time.
  • Question
    Who is the winner of Othello when the player with the most discs at the end can't move?
    Community Answer
    When you can't make a move, the game ends. Both players then count their discs, and the person with the most wins.
  • Question
    If there are two chances of flipping (e.g.:horizontally and vertically) on placing a risk, can I flip in both directions?
    Community Answer
    In one move, you can flank in two or even more sides, if possible. If there are two chances of flipping (e.g.:horizontally and vertically) on placing a risk, you can flip in both directions.
  • Question
    If I outflank my opponent and flip a disc which then outflanks a number of other discs, am I allowed to flip those as well?
    Community Answer
    No. Only the discs which are outflanked by the stone you placed can be flipped. Flipped discs do not create chain reactions.
  • Question
    Can I place the coins in the corner on the first chance?
    Community Answer
    Yes. As soon as there is a coin in a spot adjacent to a corner that you can flip when placing a coin, you can place your coin in the corner (and taking a corner as soon as you can is normally the best move).
  • Question
    Does it count in a diagonal direction, or just horizontal and vertical?
    Community Answer
    Diagonals count, and are probably the easiest way to get corners at that. Also, one move can set off multiple turns, all the way up to all eight directions if that were somehow available.
  • Question
    Could I ever play a disk next to my own color if I am on my way to being able to flip a row?
    Community Answer
    The only invalid moves are those that do not turn disks. A move that turns and happens to be next to another of your disks is perfectly valid.
  • Question
    Can I flank diagonally?
    Community Answer
    Yes, the player who is trapped is between your color, meaning the other disc is now yours.
  • Question
    Could I place my very first disk in any corner as a first attempt?
    Community Answer
    No. Only moves that can turn discs are valid. For example, on the first turn with the four discs in the center, Black can only place discs on the other side of the two White discs, which turns them. Getting to the corners takes a bit of work.
  • Question
    Can I place a disk next to my opponent even if I can't turn it?
    Community Answer
    You can't place a disk unless you are flanking a player.
  • Question
    How many discs can I flip in a move?
    Community Answer
    You can flip as many discs as there are connected in a straight line from your played disc. This could feasibly be up to 18 discs at one time.
  • Question
    If I place my disc separately from other discs, is it a legal move in Othello?
    Đinh Đức Nhân
    Community Answer
    It's definitely not legal, since it doesn't flank any of the opponent's discs. If you could not make a move, your turn is forfeited.
  • Question
    If I can't make a move in Othello, can my opponent keep taking a turn until I am able to make a move again?
    Community Answer
    Yes, or until neither of you can make a move, at which point you count the discs and declare a winner.
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