Merrelles - Nine Men's Morris

Although Merrelles dates back to Egyptian times, and has variations which have been plated in ancient India and China as well, it was very popular in Medieval England and Europe. Merrelles is also called Nine Men's Morris and Mills, (as well as many variations and translations of these words).

How to Play

The gameplay goes through three stages. At each stage you can eliminate your opponent's pieces by making a row of three (called a Mill) along a board line. Whenever you make one or two Mills you can take an opposing piece if available. Any of your opponent's pieces which are already in a Mill cannot be taken. Captured pieces are removed from play but pieces within Mills are safe.

Stage 1

• This stage begins with an empty board. On each move you place a piece at a vacant board intersection spot. If you form a Mill you can remove a piece.
  

Stage 2

• This stage begins when all pieces have been placed. On each move you slide a piece along a board line to an adjacent vacant spot. If you form a Mill you can remove a piece.You can also win by surrounding and immobilizing all opposing pieces.
  

Stage 3

• You enter stage 3 when you have only three pieces left. On each move your piece can be moved to ANY vacant spot. Your pieces can't be immobilized but you lose if you are reduced to two pieces.
  
  

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