Sim Strategy: Counting Safe Lines
Sim is a game of mutual exhaustion: whoever runs out of safe lines first must complete a triangle. New here? Read the rules first.
1. Count safe lines
Before each move, count the uncoloured lines each player could still colour safely. The player with more of them is winning. kawu shows the counts under the board.
2. Spread your lines
Two of your lines meeting at a dot make the third side of that triangle poison for you. Early on, pick lines that don't share a dot with your others.
3. Make their lines meet
Every line you colour also removes an option from your opponent. Prefer lines whose absence forces your opponent's remaining safe lines to converge on the same dots.
4. Watch the parity
With few lines left, count exactly: if the number of safe moves left to you is at least the number left to your opponent on their turns, you survive. Trade moves to keep that true.
5. Use the opponent's colour
A line coloured by your opponent can't hurt you. Triangles with one of their sides are dead for you: build your lines around theirs.
Frequently asked questions
What is a safe line in Sim?
An uncoloured line you can colour without completing a triangle of your colour. The game is about keeping more safe lines than your opponent: when they run out first, they lose.
Last updated 2026-10-20