Your questions, answered.
Can I play Othello online for free?
Yes. Play this independent Othello / Reversi browser game for free, with no account, app installation or download. Choose the computer opponent or two players on one device.
How do you play Othello?
Black moves first. Place a disc on an empty square so it traps at least one opposing disc between your new disc and another of your discs in a straight line. Flip every trapped line. When neither player can move, the color with more discs wins. Read the complete rules.
Is Othello the same as Reversi?
The names are often used for the same modern game. Othello uses a fixed four-disc opening and standardized rules; historical versions of Reversi have differed. This site uses the standard Othello opening. See our Othello and Reversi comparison.
Can two people play on the same screen?
Yes. Select 2 players, then take turns on one phone, tablet or computer. Black starts. The game checks legal moves, flips discs and passes automatically. This is local play on one device, without an online room or invitation link.
What happens if I have no legal move?
You must pass, and your opponent moves again. This game handles that automatically and tells you whose turn it is. The game ends when neither side can move, even if empty squares remain.
Does having more discs mean I am winning?
Only the final disc count decides the result. Early in a game, mobility and secure corners can be more useful than collecting many discs. Our strategy guide explains how to look beyond the current score.
Is this an official Othello game?
No. An independent browser game. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Othello Co., MegaHouse or the World Othello Federation. Othello is a registered trademark of MegaHouse Corporation. Our independence and trademark notice explains the references on this site.
Can an Othello game finish with empty squares?
Yes. Play ends as soon as neither player has a legal move. The board does not have to be full. This game counts the discs actually on the board and leaves unoccupied squares unassigned.
Can an Othello game be a draw?
Yes. Equal final black and white disc counts are a draw. On a full board that means 32 discs each, but a draw can also occur when empty squares remain.
Can I play on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The board adapts to small screens and uses tap controls in modern browsers. You can play the computer or pass one device between two people. No app installation is required.
Does the computer use an online AI service?
No. It uses a local search algorithm in your browser, normally inside a Web Worker. There are three levels with different search limits. Your moves are not sent to a hosted model API.
Is my game saved?
When local storage is available, your board, move history and settings save in this browser. Each game page has its own saved position. Saves do not sync to another device, and clearing browser storage removes them.
Can I play offline?
The game needs a connection to load the page and its assets. Moves are calculated locally after loading, but this version does not install an offline app or guarantee that a closed page can reopen without a connection.
What does Undo do?
In two-player mode, Undo takes back one placement. Against the computer, it returns to your previous decision and removes the computer reply too if one has been made. It also cancels an in-progress computer calculation.
Why is the board not accepting my move?
A move must be on an empty square and must trap at least one opposing disc in a continuous line. You also need to wait for your turn. Switch on Show moves to see the current legal squares. If the computer is thinking, wait for its reply.
Can I play with a friend on another device?
This version supports two people on one screen. It has no remote rooms, invitation links or synchronized online matches. Sharing the website link opens a separate game for the other person.