Your Sticks Game
The classic Sticks (Nim) game: 22 sticks, take one to three each turn, and whoever takes the last stick loses. Play the computer or a friend.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
With 6 sticks left, take 1 to leave 5. Whatever your opponent takes, you can then leave exactly 1, and they are forced to take the last stick.Open the Sticks Game
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
The Sticks Game with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the Sticks Game?
A pile of 22 sticks sits on the table. On your turn take one, two or three. Whoever is forced to take the last stick loses.
There is a hidden pattern based on multiples of four; the Hard computer knows it, so beating it is a real challenge.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
Three AI levels.
Quick games.
See what was taken.
Tracks wins.
AZRS tools are free to open and use.
It opens in your browser, so there is nothing to download.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
How it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This fun tool | Desktop software | |
|---|---|---|
| Install | Nothing to install | Usually an app or program to install |
| Account | No signup | Depends on the product |
| Cost | Free to use | Free or paid, depends on the product |
| Where it runs | In your browser tab | On your computer |
Questions people ask
Can I beat the Hard computer?
Yes, but only by playing perfectly: with 22 sticks the first player wins by always leaving one more than a multiple of four (21, 17, 13...), so take 1 first and keep that pattern.
Is anything uploaded or tracked?
No, nothing is sent anywhere. The pile of sticks and the computer's moves all run in the page; it remembers only your last mode and difficulty on this device. How it goes: Tap Take 1, 2 or 3. Avoid taking the last stick. Play again.
Is it free, and do I need an app or account?
No cost and no account, in any current browser, and it keeps working offline once loaded. Vs computer or two players; 22 sticks; Highlighted last move; Series score. Take 1 to 3 sticks; last stick loses.
Can I always win?
Only if you leave the right number on each turn. From 22 sticks, the first player can take one to leave 21. The Hard computer knows the pattern, so one slip hands it control.
How do I use the Sticks Game?
1. Choose a mode. 2. Tap Take 1, 2 or 3. 3. Avoid taking the last stick. 4. Play again.
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