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.
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.
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.