Mu Torere

This game is played by the Maori of New Zealand. It is sometimes called the star game because of the shape of the board. 

A game for two players.

Image

Resources:

• A game board (download one here).
• Four markers each.

To start:

• Choose a set of points to start from. Each set is indicated as either a triangle or a diamond. The 'guard' makers are those placed where the heavy lines are drawn.
• Put markers onto four of the points of the star.
• Your opponent does the same.
• Every point should have a marker on it.
• Decide who will be the first player to move.
• Choose one of the 'guard' markers and move it to the centre of the star. 
• Your opponent moves one of their 'guard' markers to the space left empty at the point of a star by your move.
• Take turns to move to an unoccupied space. This can be the centre of the star or at a point of the star.
• Move sideways or into and out of the centre space - jumps are not allowed.
• One marker on a space only.
• You must move a marker that is next to your opponent's marker.

The winner: when one of you is surrounded and unable to move any of your markers

Variations:

• To make the game simpler, a hexagram board can be used.
• To make the game more complex, the number of points on the star can be increased. Make sure that an even number is chosen.
• The two 'guard' markers for each player are always placed at the outside of the set of markers.