How to Play Nevo
A strategic 2-player board game where you compete to place all your pieces first.
Objective
Win by placing all 3 of your dot pieces on the board. You start with 2 solid pieces (which can move) and will place 3 dot pieces throughout the game (which stay put once placed).
Setup
- The game is played on a 3×3 board
- Each player starts with 2 solid pieces in opposite corners
- Orange player (P1) goes first
- Each player has 3 dot pieces to place during the game
Two-Phase Turns
Every turn consists of exactly two phases:
- Move a solid piece — Move one of your solid pieces to an adjacent empty space (including diagonally)
- Place a dot piece — Place one dot piece on any empty space on the board
Movement Rules
- Solid pieces can move to any adjacent empty space, including diagonally (up to 8 possible directions)
- Dot pieces cannot move once placed — they stay where you put them
- You cannot move through or onto occupied spaces
The NEVO Rule (Sandwich Flip)
This is the signature mechanic that gives the game its name! After any solid piece moves, check for sandwich patterns in all lines (horizontal, vertical, diagonal):
- When solid pieces form You-Opponent-You or Opponent-You-Opponent in any line...
- ALL pieces in that line flip colors!
- This is a powerful strategic tool that can completely reverse the game state
Example: 🟠-🔵-🟠 → 🔵-🟠-🔵
Example: 🔵-🟠-🔵 → 🟠-🔵-🟠
Pro tip: Use NEVOs to steal opponent pieces and reverse losing positions. Advanced players create NEVO opportunities intentionally!
Diagonal Walls
When two solid pieces are positioned diagonally adjacent to each other, they create a "diagonal wall" that blocks movement through their intersection point. Use this to control the board and limit your opponent's options.
Winning
The first player to place all 3 of their dot pieces on the board wins! Remember, NEVO flips can change piece ownership, so a piece you placed might become your opponent's — and vice versa.