Nine Men's Morris on Arcadia
Nine Men's Morris is one of the oldest board games known to humanity, dating back thousands of years. The objective is simple but the strategy is deep: form "mills" (three pieces in a row) to capture your opponent's pieces.
The game has three distinct phases: placing your pieces, moving them to adjacent points, and flying when you're down to three pieces.
How to Play
- Placing Phase: Take turns placing your 9 pieces on empty points.
- Moving Phase: Once all pieces are placed, move pieces to adjacent empty points.
- Flying Phase: When down to 3 pieces, you can move to any empty point.
- Form mills (3 in a row) to remove an opponent's piece.
- Win by reducing your opponent to 2 pieces or blocking all moves.
Core Rules
- Mill: Three pieces of the same color in a horizontal or vertical row
- Capture: When forming a mill, remove one opponent piece (not from a mill unless no other pieces available)
- Movement: Pieces move to adjacent empty points along the lines
- Flying: With 3 or fewer pieces, move to any empty point
- Win Condition: Reduce opponent to 2 pieces or block all their moves
Strategy Tips
- Control the center and key intersection points.
- Try to set up multiple mills at once (double mill threat).
- Block your opponent's potential mills early.
- In the placing phase, spread pieces to create future mill opportunities.
- Save some pieces for defensive positions when you have fewer pieces.
Tips
Strong play usually comes from tempo, risk control, and converting small advantages.
- Play lines that keep your options open.
- Protect key assets and avoid overextending.
- Force your opponent into predictable responses.
Game Phases
1. Opening (Placing): Focus on creating mill threats while blocking opponent mills. 2. Midgame (Moving): Balance offense and defense, look for double mill setups. 3. Endgame (Flying): With few pieces, mobility is key - use flying ability wisely.
FAQ
What is a mill in Nine Men's Morris?
A mill is three pieces of the same color positioned in a straight horizontal or vertical line.
Can I remove a piece from an opponent's mill?
Only if no other pieces are available. Otherwise, you must remove a piece that's not part of a mill.
When can I move to any empty point (flying)?
When you are reduced to 3 or fewer pieces, you can move to any empty point instead of just adjacent ones.
How do you win the game?
Win by either reducing your opponent to 2 pieces or by blocking all their possible moves.
What happens if both players are blocked?
The game is a draw if neither player can make a legal move.
Ready to play Nine Men's Morris?
Launch the free demo, learn the flow, and practice tactics before higher stakes.
