THE PLAYBOOK · ZHOUSIMIAN
An introduction to playing Nine Men's Morris
Start Nine Men's Morris by looking at the playing area and its controls. Leave the opponent with fewer than three pieces or no legal move. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move. Compare the starting position with the example in the Guide. Look at what changes after your first action.
Local two players; three-piece flying; draw after 100 quiet movement turns.
Try a more deliberate round
Keep the stated aim separate from side details such as animation or appearance. Progress is measured by the game’s own completion or scoring rules. Refer to the controls when needed.
The challenge in front of you
Leave the opponent with fewer than three pieces or no legal move. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. The example below illustrates a decision.
Follow these playing steps
- 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.
Keyboard and screen controls
Click or tap a piece and destination; use the turn indicator and legal-move feedback. Use the control method described here for this activity. Contact us with the game and device if a control does not respond.
Learn from a sample situation
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. Consider the next action carefully.
Check this before moving on
Only the defined lines count as mills, not any visual alignment. A different version of the game may use a different rule. Take enough time to read a new position. If a game has a timer, learn its controls first rather than searching for them during the round.
Helpful answers for players
As a new player, what is the goal of Nine Men's Morris?
The key detail is this: Leave the opponent with fewer than three pieces or no legal move.
As a new player, how do I control Nine Men's Morris?
Here is the relevant explanation: Click or tap a piece and destination; use the turn indicator and legal-move feedback.
While reading the Guide, what example helps explain Nine Men's Morris?
The key detail is this: A piece in an opposing mill can be captured only when every opposing piece belongs to a mill.
For a quick reminder, what should I watch out for in Nine Men's Morris?
Keep this in mind: Only the defined lines count as mills, not any visual alignment.
Before I begin, what format does Nine Men's Morris offer?
Keep this in mind: Local two players; three-piece flying; draw after 100 quiet movement turns.
While reading the Guide, which play mode does Nine Men's Morris use?
The key detail is this: The mode on this page is Local players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.
