Nine (9) Men’s Morris

An oldie but a goodie. This is the ultimate noughts and crosses (aka Tic Tac Toe) with a twist. This game can even go on holiday with you.

• Suitable for 2 players
• Age 10 and up
• Sustainable Wood (Monkey Pod and Rubber Wood)

AIM: If you get 3 in a row, remove your opponents piece out of the game for good but unlike Noughts and Crosses (or Tic-Tac-Toe) or Four-in-a-Row, this is not the end!

How to play: The game is played in 2 phases:

Phase 1: Start by choosing a colour and taking it in turns placing them on the board (keeping in mind you are trying to get 3 in a row so you can remove one of your opponents pieces.

Phase 2: Once all 9 pieces have been played by each player, move your colour pieces along the lines, again trying to get 3 in a row so you can remove 1 of theirs.

Winning: When your opponent only has 2 left on the board, you win. If your opponent can't move legally along a line, you win*.

* Additional Rule: When a player only has 3 pieces available on the board (during phase 2), they may jump to any hole, so they are not restricted to just moving along the lines. Note: You still win if, before being reduced to 3 pieces, your opponent can't legally move. You still win when your opponent only has 2 pieces.

Warning: Small parts

Looking for other ancient games? Try Mancala!