nbreversi

nbreversi [-s size]

-s size
    Set custom square board size from 4 to 20 (default: 8)

-h
    Display brief help and usage information

nbreversi is a text-based implementation of the classic board game Reversi, also known as Othello, designed for use in Linux terminals using the ncurses library. Players take turns placing discs on an 8x8 grid (or custom size) to capture opponent's pieces by sandwiching them between their own. The game features a simple, responsive interface with colored discs representing black (@) and white (O) pieces, and empty squares shown as dots (.).

The objective is to control the majority of the board by the end of the game, when no more legal moves remain. nbreversi supports human vs. human or human vs. computer play, with adjustable difficulty levels for the AI opponent. It displays the current score, number of possible moves, and hints for valid placements.

Ideal for quick sessions in a console, it runs efficiently without graphical dependencies, making it perfect for servers or remote SSH sessions. The game emphasizes strategy, foresight, and territorial control, mirroring the commercial board game's rules faithfully.

Requires a terminal supporting ncurses (256-color preferred for best visuals). AI may be predictable at higher board sizes. No save/resume functionality.

Arrow keys or hjkl to move cursor.
Space or . to place disc.
h for hint, u to undo, q to quit.

Game ends when no moves left; higher disc count wins. Pass turn with p if no legal move.

Originated as part of BSD games ported to Linux in the 1990s, integrated into ncurses-extras or bsdgames packages around 2000s. Maintained sporadically with ncurses updates for modern terminals.

reversi(6), gnuroversi(6)