Stats:
No. of players: 2
Amount of time to play: 10-30 min
Age requirements: 6+
Set-up time: minimal

The Mill Description:

The Mill dates back to Rome circa 600 BC. It is an abstract strategy game that combines Go and Tic-Tac-Toe. And although it is simple to learn it takes time to master.

The Mill is also known as Nine Men’s Morris (and other names). To begin each player has nine stone pieces in either dark or light tone. Each turn you place a piece or once all pieces are placed you move one piece one node.

The suede pouch contains the board and all the playing pieces. The board is made up of \three concentric squares. Each of these squares has nodes on the end and mid points. The midpoints also connect the three squares.

You may place a piece on any free node. If you get three of your pieces in a row (not around a corner) you may remove one of your opponent’s pieces.

The game ends once one player only has two pieces left.

Quick Review of The Mill:

The Mill is one of 12 Games in the Reliquary Collection by Bibelot Games. First I want to point out how cool these look. They are all old games and the suede pouches and stone components add to the rustic feel of them. On top of that they are all super portable.

The Mill is fun and very easy to teach and learn. That said it took me a few games to figure out some of the placement strategy. At no point was I lost but I certainly have become better the more I have played.

The advantage an experienced player has may turn-off new comers, but after several games (which don’t take long) it should be eliminated. It will also be hard to come back in The Mill. Once someone is up a couple pieces it is hard to come back.

If you like abstract strategy games you should check The Mill out. If you like history and historic games you should look at the Reliquary Collection. All these games are fun, portable and look fantastic.

Score and synopsis: (Click here for an explanation of these review categories.)
Strategy 6 out of 6
Luck 0 out of 6
Player Interaction 5 out of 6
Replay Value 4 out of 6
Complexity 3 out of 6
Fun 4 out of 6
Overall 4 out of 6