Nine Men's Morris

Game Board

The game is played on a square board consisting of 3 concentric squares with 24 points, as illustrated. The game pieces are light and dark flat disks; 9 same coloured pieces for each player. They may only move between the 24 points along the marked lines. Only one piece may be placed on any point.

The game starts with an empty board. The players place their pieces on the board alternately, as described below.

Playing the Game

Opening Play

The players decide who is to start; then take turns in placing one piece at a time on any unoccupied point on the board.
Each player attempts to form mills. A mill consists of a straight row of three of the player's own pieces along a marked line. Whenever a player succeeds in making a mill, they may capture an opponent's piece. Captured pieces cannot be brought back into play.

A piece that is within a mill may not be captured.

The Game

Once all the pieces have been placed on the board, players take turns in moving them. Pieces can only move to adjacent points along the marked lines.
Players must move if they can (even if it would be to their disadvantage). A player who cannot move loses the game.

Again, the players are trying to form mills, and may capture an opponent's piece whenever one is made.

The End-Game

A player that has been reduced to two pieces loses the game.