Othello
Othello at your next game night?
Add Othello to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
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- Designer John W. Mollett , Lewis Waterman , Goro Hasegawa
- Publisher A/S Informa Forlag , ABRA , Alga , Assim Toys
- Illustration John Adams , Georg Appl , Kinetic , Machai , Walter Pepperle , Néstor Romeral Andrés
The description, FAQ and assessments for this game were generated with the help of artificial intelligence from the game data and reviewed editorially. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.
What to Expect
In Othello, players alternate placing black and white pieces on an 8x8 board, aiming to trap opponent's pieces between their own to flip them. The game demands tactical thinking as the board's majority color shifts multiple times. The match ends when no more moves are possible, and the player with the most pieces wins.
Who Is This Game For?
Othello is a two-player game suitable for ages 8 and up, classified as a family game with low complexity. A typical game lasts about 30 minutes, making it ideal for quick sessions. No prior experience is needed, but the game offers strategic depth for thoughtful players.
How It Works
The core mechanic is Enclosure, where you capture opponent pieces by surrounding them with your own. Played on a square grid of 8x8 tiles, each player takes turns placing tiles to gain control. The strategic placement and flipping of pieces drive the gameplay.
What Makes It Special
Othello was refined by Goro Hasegawa and won the Parents' Choice Classic Award in 1996. Unlike Reversi, it features a fixed initial setup. Its clear mechanics and strategic depth have maintained its popularity for over a century.
Awards
- 1996 Parents' Choice Classic Award — Winner
Pro
- Classic abstract strategy game with over 130 years of history
- Quick gameplay lasting about 30 minutes
- Simple rules paired with strategic depth
- Suitable for ages 8 and up
Contra
- Strictly for two players only
- Limited thematic immersion
- Can be tactically challenging for beginners
Setting & atmosphere
Othello is set on an abstract 8x8 board without thematic elements. The focus lies purely on strategy and tactics.
Tips for beginners
Focus on trapping opponent’s pieces and observe how the board changes to discover tactical opportunities.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
Othello is designed exclusively for two players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game of Othello lasts about 30 minutes, allowing for quick and repeatable play.
What prior experience do I need?
The game is suitable for beginners with simple rules but requires tactical thinking to succeed.
How does this compare to similar games?
Othello differs from Reversi by having a fixed starting setup and was patented in 1971.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, Othello is family-friendly for ages 8 and up due to its straightforward rules.
What mechanic makes it special?
The Enclosure mechanic, where you surround and flip opponent pieces, is central to gameplay.
Fazit
Othello is a classic two-player abstract strategy game with simple rules and strategic depth. It’s recommended for players who enjoy short, tactical board games.
Othello at your next game night?
Add Othello to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add Othello to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
