Dating back to 1400BC from the Roman Empire, Nine Men's Morris is one of the earliest board games in recorded history. The board consists of an inner square, a middle square and an outer square, with 8 spots evenly distributed on each of the squares, making a total of 24 spots. Each player will be given a set of 9 pieces in black or white colour. The pieces can be placed onto the spots on the board and can be moved among the spots. The player who has fewer than 3 pieces left or has been immobilized loses the game. When the game starts, the player holding white pieces can click any empty spot to place a piece onto it. Then the player with black pieces will follow suit, and the two sides take turns to continue the process. When 3 pieces of the same colour form a horizontal or vertical line, a mill appears. The player who forms a mill can remove one of the opponent pieces from the board. Once removed, those pieces cannot be placed onto the board again. Note that pieces of a formed mill cannot be removed unless no other pieces are left on the board. The number of each player's unused pieces are shown on the left of the board. Note that you must finish your turn within the given time limit, as indicated by the timer on the screen, or you will lose.
After all the pieces of both players are used, the pieces on the board can be moved. The players need to click and select one of their pieces, then click an empty spot along the lines so as to move the selected piece. If a player cannot do so, he loses. A mill can also be formed if 3 pieces of the same colour draw a straight line after moving. The player who forms the mill can remove one of his opponent's pieces from the board. Again, pieces of a formed mill cannot be removed unless no other pieces are left on the board. When a player has only 3 pieces left, his pieces will gain the ability to "fly" and can be moved to any vacant spot on the board. Capture vital positions on the board to destroy your enemy!
No comments: