- Early 1800s: Reversi likely emerges in Europe, possibly as early as the 18th century (unverified). By 1870, Mollett’s "The Game of Annexation" introduces a precursor, and by the 1880s, Reversi is formalized in England by Waterman and Mollett.
- Late 1800s–Early 1900s: Reversi spreads across Europe (e.g., Ravensburger production in 1893) and reaches Japan by 1907, where it is called "Genpei Go" to appeal to a Japanese audience.
Neither Annextion nor Reversi were sales successes, and disappeared from the market after a while.
- 1930-1950s: In the UK, Waddy Production releases "Over She Goes," a Reversi variant, showing the game’s continued popularity and adaptability under new names. In the 1940s Reversi variants was sold in Scandinavia with the name "Turné" or "Vända". Genpei Go manufactureds in Japan and had a brief period of upsurge in the country.
There were many attempts to resell the game, under various more or less fantastic names, but it didn't succeed in becoming much more than local within the country. The game was in people's memories, but it never really caught on.
Note that between 1850s to 1970s it was, as we know, no tournaments or clubs created. It seems as the knowledge of the games was low, or that people saw it as a kids game.
- 1971: Goro Hasegawa start manufacture and sell Othello. See next chapter "The Modern Othello"
Ben Seely about "Reversi vs Othello"
This page are under construction and will be updated.
Othello History