Objective of the Game

The goal in Button Mill is to remove your opponent's pieces by forming mills, which consist of three pieces of the same color in a straight line. The first player to be reduced to two pieces loses the game.

Game Components

• A Mill board with three concentric squares connected by lines
• Nine pieces for each player in two different colors (commonly black and white)

Setup

1. Each player selects a color and receives 9 pieces of that color.
2. Place the board between the players.

Gameplay

Phase 1: Placing Pieces - Players take turns placing one piece on any vacant intersection on the board. - A mill is formed when a player places three of their pieces in a straight line. - If a mill is formed, the player can remove an opponent's piece that is not part of a mill. Exception: If all opponent's pieces are in mills, a piece from a mill may be taken. - This phase ends when all pieces are placed on the board.

Phase 2: Moving Pieces - Players take turns moving one of their pieces to an adjacent free intersection along the lines. - As in the placing phase, forming a mill allows a player to remove an opponent's piece.

Phase 3: Jumping (optional) - When a player is down to three pieces, they can "jump" their pieces to any empty spot on the board, not just adjacent ones.

Winning the Game

• The game concludes when one player has only two pieces left, thus no longer able to form mills.
• Alternatively, a player wins by capturing all opposing pieces.

Strategy Tips

• Maintain flexibility with your pieces, placing them in positions that can form multiple mills.
• Block your opponent's moves by limiting their mill-forming opportunities.
• Plan ahead to always have a mill ready by each subsequent turn.

Button Mill demands tactical skill and forward-thinking. Enjoy your game!