NIM Paper and Pencil Game – Free Printable

NIM paper and pencil game is a simple strategy game that only requires two players, one pencil, and a printable game board. Players take turns crossing out marks while trying to avoid being the person who has to cross out the very last mark. You can download the free NIM directions and printable game boards at the bottom of this post.

How to Play NIM

Two players take turns crossing out marks on the game board. On each turn, a player must cross out at least one mark. They may cross out as many marks as they want, but every mark they cross out during that turn must come from the same row. Players continue taking turns until only one mark remains. The player who is forced to cross out the final mark loses the game. The other player wins.

What You Need to Play

NIM is an easy game to set up because you only need:

• 2 players
• 1 pencil
• The printable NIM game board

The free printable includes directions, a sample finished game, and two game boards so players can start right away.

Why NIM Is a Great Paper and Pencil Game

NIM looks simple, but it encourages players to think ahead and consider how each move may affect the rest of the game. Children and adults can practice skills such as:

• Strategic thinking
• Planning ahead
• Problem solving
• Flexible thinking
• Turn taking
• Attention
• Decision making

Because there are very few rules, players can focus on developing a strategy instead of learning a complicated game. Read more about the benefits of paper and pencil games.

Try Different NIM Strategies

At first, players may simply cross out marks without thinking very far ahead. After playing several rounds, they may begin noticing patterns. Encourage players to think about questions such as which row they should choose, how many marks they should remove, and what choices they are leaving for the other player. Part of the fun is experimenting with different strategies and seeing what happens.

More Free Paper and Pencil Games

If you enjoy NIM, try these other printable strategy games from Growing Play:

SIM Printable Paper and Pencil Game

Lasso Paper and Pencil Game

Ultimate Tic Tac Toe Printable

These games are useful for classrooms, indoor recess, family game time, travel, waiting rooms, and screen-free activities.

Get More Printables With Growing Play Membership

Want easy access to even more printable games, puzzles, activities, and screen-free resources? Growing Play members can access NIM and additional resources in the member library. Join the Growing Play Membership and build your own collection of ready-to-print activities.