N I M is actually a collection of different games with the common objective being to reach a certain target number by addition or subtraction of different number choices. The game is played by two students at a time. For the simplest variations students can use mental math. For the advanced variations a calculator may be used. The challenger always has the choice of going first or second.
Students alternate subtracting one or two from the number they receive .
The winner is the player who adds or subtracts to get to zero. The variations suggested below can be modified in any way to create new variations. Students are fond of creating and playing their own variations. It does not take long for students to master NIM - 7. A resignation is considered a noble way to end a game if the outcome seems determined.