Three Mans Morris
Number of players: 2
Type of game: Board
Period: 1400BC+
Three Men’s Morris Also known as 3 Men’s Morris, Tapatan (in the Philippines), or Tic-Tac-Toe’s clever cousin, this is the most compact and swift version of the Morris games. It’s easy to learn, quick to play, and ideal for young learners or fast, strategic duels.
History of Three Men’s Morris
Ancient Beginnings: Archaeological finds suggest Three Men’s Morris is among the oldest known board games, with roots possibly stretching back to early Egypt, Greece, and India. Boards scratched into stone slabs have been uncovered in temples and ancient homes.
Simple, Portable Fun: Because it requires only a 3×3 grid and six pieces, it was a popular pastime in ancient and mediaeval cultures. The board is so compact that people would carve it into walls, tables, or seats and play anywhere.
Global Versions: Variants appear worldwide—Tapatan in the Philippines, Terni Lapilli in Rome, and similar forms in Africa and Southeast Asia.
Twelve-Mans Morris
Number of players: 2
Type of game: Boardgame
Period: 14th Century
Twelve Men’s Morris (also known as 12 Men’s Morris, Merelles, or Mühle) is a classic abstract strategy board game that dates back to the Roman Empire. It’s part of the larger family of Morris games, including Three Men’s Morris, Six Men’s Morris, and Nine Men’s Morris.
History of Twelve Men’s Morris
Ancient Roots: The game originates from the Roman Empire and may be even older, with precursors in ancient Egypt. Boards scratched into stone have been found at temples and military sites.
Mediaeval Popularity: Twelve Men’s Morris became especially popular in mediaeval Europe. Game boards were carved into cathedral seats and cloisters, showing its wide play among clergy and layfolk alike.
Later Developments: While Nine Men’s Morris remained the most widely played variant, Twelve Men’s Morris offered deeper strategy and was known in various parts of Europe under different names: La Marelle (France), Molenspel (Netherlands), Mühle (Germany), Mulino (Italy).
Nine Mans Morris
Number of players: 2
Type of game: Boardgame
Period: 14th Century BC
Nine Mans Morris Also called 9 Men’s Morris, Mill, Merels, or Mühle, this is the most famous and widely played variant of the Morris family of games. It combines simplicity and strategic depth, with roots in ancient history and a legacy across cultures.
History of Nine Men’s Morris
Ancient Origins: Nine Men’s Morris may trace its roots to ancient Egypt, with boards dating back to around 1400 BCE. The Romans popularised it across Europe, and it spread through military and cultural contact.
Mediaeval Fame: In mediaeval England and Europe, it became a staple game. Carved boards on church pews and castle walls show how ingrained it was in both peasant and noble life.
Enduring Popularity: It has remained in casual and traditional play into the modern era, often taught as a folk game or used as a portable pastime due to its simple equipment.