How to play Score Shift Reversi

Basic Rules

Score-Based Reversi: Just like traditional Reversi, you flip your opponent’s discs by sandwiching them. But here, victory isn’t about the number of discs—it’s all about the total points on the board.

More discs doesn’t always mean victory: Each square has a different point value—some are worth 1 point, others 5. Even with fewer discs, you can win by claiming high-value spaces.

Last-minute comebacks: In the final turns, flipping a large group of your opponent’s discs means you also steal all the points on those squares. Big reversals are always possible!

[Board 1: Standard]

Features: All squares are made up of either "-1, 0, or 1" and the total score is designed to be 0.

Strategy: Having more stones does not necessarily mean winning! There are more +1s in the center and more -1s on the periphery, so taking too many can lower your score. First, try to find out whether it's really advantageous to take stones!

[Board 2: Outer Trap]

Characteristics: There are many -1s in the center and many +1s on the periphery. The total score is more negative.

Strategy: Taking control of the center will likely lower your score, so securing the outer perimeter is key. The key is to avoid the center in the early stages and determine the right timing to aim for the outer perimeter!

[Board 3: Point Island]

Features: Rough terrain with scattered high-scoring squares (+2 and +3) and a mixture of -2 and -3.

Strategy: You'll want to aim for the high-scoring squares, but there may be negative points lurking around them. This is a board that emphasizes reading your opponent's moves and determining whether to take them or let them take them.

[Board 4: High-Risk Center]

Characteristics: A high-risk, high-reward structure with a central +5 surrounded by -2s and -1s. Total score is 0.

Strategy: If you take the center, you'll score a lot of points... but you need to be prepared to take the losses on the sides! You can also let your opponent take the center, causing a loss, and slowly attack from the outside. This board is for advanced players, and there's also the chance for a sudden reversal!