Reversi (Othello) game
Reversi is a complex game with simple rules. This strategy is similar to checkers and chess — two participants seek to displace the opponent's chips and occupy the entire playing field. To win, you will need the ability to assess the overall picture on the field, anticipate the actions of the enemy and think logically.
Game history
Reversi are very popular in the world. Numerous participants come to the Championships and international tournaments in the USA and Japan every year. Exciting competitions attract the attention of millions of fans of the game.
The first information about the game is associated with the publication in 1870 in one of the English Newspapers. Annexation was first played on a cross-shaped Board, later replaced by an 8×8 square field. In 1886, the official rules of the game appeared in the press. However, popularity only came in 1888 after the publication of a series of articles by Walter Pill in the Queen newspaper and several manuals on the game. In 1896, the American Alice Howard Cady published the book "Reversi" with a description of strategies.
In various countries, the game was known as "Fan Men", "Chinese friends", "Royal Reversi", "Chameleon", "Las Vegas Banfia", "Exit", "Chan Rieshen", "Rivaskino", etc. In the Soviet Union, Reversi appeared in the 80s of the last century, but almost no one was interested.
A new surge in global popularity occurred in 1971, when the game reached Japan, underwent minor changes, and received the name "Othello". Since then, this name has become the most common, although in Russia the game is still called Reversi. Five years later, the United Kingdom and the United States bought a license from Japan, and the game was again on the crest of popularity.
Interesting fact
- In 1997, world champion Takeshi Murakami tried to play Othello with a computer. The tournament ended with a crushing score of 0: 6 in favor of the car.
- There is information about the existence of Reversi in the early XIX century. In 1816, the Comte de Balmain, who accompanied Napoleon in captivity on the island of Saint Helena, wrote that the Emperor played Reversi.
The simplicity of Reversi is deceptive, you will see this when competing with the computer, and this opponent is not mistaken. Experienced players say that the first 50-60 games can be considered trial, only after them there is a qualitative leap in understanding the meaning of Reversi. We wish you patience and wisdom! Challenge yourself with Reversi!
