How the computer opponent works
The computer plays on your device, so it works offline and answers in a moment. Each game offers three levels. Easy is forgiving and leaves chances for a beginner to win. Medium plays sensibly and punishes obvious mistakes. Hard looks further ahead and is built to challenge players who know the game well. Undo takes back your move and the computer’s reply, so you can try a different idea, and your current game saves itself on the device.
Strategy games for one player against the computer
- Chess: powered by the open-source Stockfish engine, scaled across the three levels. Pair it with the chess tutorial if you’re just starting.
- Checkers: American rules with forced captures, so the computer will punish a careless piece left where it can be jumped.
- Backgammon: good practice for the big decisions of when to hit, when to play safe and when to run for home.
- Reversi: the computer values corners and edges, so it is a good teacher of why the early disc count doesn’t matter much.
- Mancala: a short game where counting ahead pays off. The Mancala tutorial covers extra turns and captures.
- Four in a Row: practice setting up two threats at once, and blocking the computer’s.
- Gomoku: five in a row on a 15×15 board. The computer looks for open threes and fours, so leave none unanswered.
- Nine Men’s Morris: the computer handles all three phases, from placing to moving to flying, which makes it a good way to learn the rules.
- Tic-Tac-Toe: on Hard, a draw is a strong result. Easy is a friendly first opponent for kids.
- Dots and Boxes: on higher levels, the computer plays the long-chain endgame carefully, so learn when to give away a box.
Games where computer players fill seats
- Ludo: play one color against up to three computer players, or mix friends and computer players.
- Chinese Checkers: fill the star with computer players and race them across.
- Yacht dice: compete against computer scorecards, or play solo to beat your own best.
- Hangman: the computer picks a word from built-in word lists, and you guess.
The one exception is Snakes and Ladders, a pure luck game where computer players simply roll.
Tips for practicing against the computer
- Climb one level at a time. Move up when you start winning comfortably, not after one lucky game.
- Use undo to learn. When a move goes wrong, take it back and find a better one.
- Read the rules first. Every game has a full guide, such as the checkers rules.