Rules of the Game
Objective
The goal is to reduce your opponent to two pieces or to block all of their pieces so they cannot make a legal move.
Phases of the Game
- Placement Phase: Players take turns placing their 9 pieces on any empty point on the board.
- Movement Phase: After all 18 pieces have been placed, players take turns moving one of their pieces to an adjacent empty point.
- Flying Phase: When a player has only 3 pieces left, they are allowed to "fly" one of their pieces to any empty point on the board during their turn.
Forming a Mill
A "mill" is a row of three of your own pieces on any straight line. When you form a mill, you are allowed to remove one of your opponent's pieces from the board. You cannot remove a piece that is part of an opponent's mill, unless no other pieces are available.
History of the Game
Ancient Origins: Nine Men's Morris is an ancient strategy board game with a history that stretches back thousands of years. Evidence of the game has been found at archaeological sites dating back to the Roman Empire and even as far back as 1400 BCE in ancient Egypt. Boards were often carved into stone seats, floors, and walls.
Medieval Popularity: The game was incredibly popular throughout medieval Europe. It was known by various names, including "Merels" in France and "Mühle" in Germany. It is even mentioned in Shakespeare's play "A Midsummer Night's Dream."
Winning Strategies
- Control the Center: The middle square is powerful. Pieces there have more mobility and can more easily form mills.
- Block Your Opponent: Pay attention to your opponent's moves. If they are close to forming a mill, block them.
- Create "Running" Mills: A very powerful strategy is to create a position where you can move a single piece back and forth between two mills, allowing you to remove an opponent's piece on every turn.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many pieces in Nine Men's Morris?
- Each of the two players has 9 pieces.
- Can you jump in Nine Men's Morris?
- You can only "jump" or "fly" to any vacant point when you have only three pieces remaining.
- Is Nine Men's Morris older than Chess?
- Yes, Nine Men's Morris is significantly older than Chess. Its origins trace back to ancient times, whereas Chess is believed to have originated in the 6th century AD.