Who ranks for “othello rules”

Othello is a 2-player strategy game played on an 8x8 board with reversible black/white discs. Black moves first, aiming to "outflank" and trap white discs between black ones (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally) to flip them to black. Players alternate turns, and the game ends when the board is full or no moves are possible, with the highest total of their color winning.

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Key Rules and Gameplay

Starting Position: Four discs are placed in the center: white on D4 and E5, black on E4 and D5. Valid Moves: A player must place a disc such that at least one of the opponent’s discs is trapped (sandwiched) between the new disc and another disc of the player's color. Flipping Discs: All opponent discs in a direct line (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) between the new piece and another piece of the same color must be flipped. Multiple Directions: A single move can flip lines of discs in multiple directions simultaneously. Passing Turns: If a player cannot make a valid move, they must pass their turn. Ending the Game: The game ends when neither player can move, or the board is completely filled. Winning: The player with the highest count of their color on the board wins.

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Common Misconceptions

You cannot skip over your own color to outflank the opponent. If you have a valid move, you cannot choose to pass. If you flip a disc, it stays on that square for the rest of the game, only changing color.