THE PLAYBOOK · 78JMW
How to play Nine Men's Morris
Read the aim of Nine Men's Morris, then make your first move. Leave the opponent with fewer than three pieces or no legal move. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move. Identify the playing area and the controls you need. Use the example below to understand a decision.
Local two players; three-piece flying; draw after 100 quiet movement turns.
Try a deliberate move
After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again. Keep the objective visible.
Your goal
Leave the opponent with fewer than three pieces or no legal move. Use the instructions to see which actions move you towards it. Keep the controls in easy reach.
Step by step
- Place nine pieces each.
- A mill of three permits one capture.
- After placement, move along an edge.
- With three remaining pieces, fly to any empty point.
Controls
Click or tap a piece and destination; use the turn indicator and legal-move feedback. On a smaller screen, keep the active part of the board within view. Read the example below alongside these instructions.
A useful example
A piece in an opposing mill can be captured only when every opposing piece belongs to a mill. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Verify the rule before continuing.
Watch out for this
Only the defined lines count as mills, not any visual alignment. A different version of the game may use a different rule. When a decision goes wrong, compare it with the common mistake described below. Start again only when you intend to leave the current round.
Common questions
On this playing page, what is the goal of Nine Men's Morris?
Leave the opponent with fewer than three pieces or no legal move.
While reading the Guide, how do I control Nine Men's Morris?
Click or tap a piece and destination; use the turn indicator and legal-move feedback.
For my first round, what example helps explain Nine Men's Morris?
Here is the relevant explanation: A piece in an opposing mill can be captured only when every opposing piece belongs to a mill.
While reading the Guide, what should I watch out for in Nine Men's Morris?
The key detail is this: Only the defined lines count as mills, not any visual alignment.
While learning, what format does Nine Men's Morris offer?
Here is the relevant explanation: Local two players; three-piece flying; draw after 100 quiet movement turns.
Which play mode does Nine Men's Morris use?
Keep this in mind: The mode on this page is Local players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.