The abstract strategy classic
The game of rings and markers.
Play YINSH live against a friend, a stranger or the computer, on any phone or computer. Free, with nothing to download.
What is YINSH?
YINSH is a two-player abstract strategy game from Kris Burm's acclaimed GIPF series. Each player starts with five rings. Every move leaves a marker behind and can flip a whole line of markers to the other color, so the board changes completely from one turn to the next.
The twist: each time you score, you give up one of your rings and have fewer ways to move. Being ahead means being weaker, so every game stays tense to the very last turn.
How it plays
Learn it in two minutes.
- 1
Place your rings
Each player places five rings anywhere on the board. White goes first.
- 2
Move and drop a marker
Put a marker inside one of your rings, then slide the ring in a straight line. The marker stays behind.
- 3
Jump and flip
Rings can jump over markers. Every marker jumped flips to the other color.
- 4
Five in a row
Line up five of your markers to clear them and remove one of your rings. Three rings removed wins.
Three ways to play
Invite a friend
Start a game and share a six-letter code or link. Your friend joins from their own device and you play live.
Quick match
Get paired with the next player looking for a game, anywhere in the world.
Play the computer
Practice against the computer at Easy, Medium or Hard, any time, even with nobody else online.
Short on time? Turn on Blitz: the first ring removed wins.
Why people love it
Easy to learn
Five simple rules. You'll be playing within minutes.
Deep to master
No luck, no dice. Every game comes down to how you think.
Always changing
One move can flip a whole line, so a lead is never safe.
At your own pace
Play in one 20–40 minute sitting, or one move a day. Games save after every turn.
Questions
Is Yinsh Online free?
Yes. Create a username and password and play as many games as you like.
Do I need to download anything?
No. It runs in your browser on any phone, tablet or computer. On a phone you can add it to your home screen to play full-screen.
Can I play on my phone against someone on a computer?
Yes. Every move appears instantly on both devices, whatever they are.
How long does a game take?
A normal game takes about 20 to 40 minutes. Blitz mode, where the first ring removed wins, takes about 10.
Do we have to finish in one sitting?
No. Games save after every move, so you can play one turn at a time whenever it suits you. Your Play page shows which games are waiting for your move.
Can I play alone?
Yes. Play the computer at Easy, Medium or Hard. It's a great way to learn.
Who made YINSH?
YINSH was designed by Kris Burm as part of the GIPF project of abstract strategy games.