South African Variant
Traditional Morabaraba
The classic 24-point board played across South Africa — internationally known as 12 Men's Morris (or Twelve Men's Morris).
Traditional is the name this site uses for South Africa's Morabaraba — the version most people mean when they say "Morabaraba" without qualification. It's also the variant that international board-game references call 12 Men's Morris (or Twelve Men's Morris), part of the wider Nine/Twelve Men's Morris family of mill games played around the world.
The board has 24 intersection points and no active centre square. Two players place, then move, 12 pieces each, forming a "mill" — three in a row — to capture an opponent's piece. Once a piece is part of a mill, it's safe: it can't be captured until the mill is broken.
Common Questions
Is Traditional Morabaraba the same as 12 Men's Morris?
Yes. "Traditional" is the South African name for this 24-point variant, and "12 Men's Morris" is the term used for the same game internationally — same board, same rules.
What makes Traditional different from Koti?
Traditional has no centre point and protects pieces inside a mill from capture. Koti, the Lesotho variant, adds a live centre point, makes blocking mandatory, and allows any piece to be captured regardless of mills.
How many pieces does each player start with?
12 pieces each, placed one at a time during the opening phase before play moves into the movement and flying phases.
Can I play Traditional Morabaraba online for free?
Yes — play free against the computer or challenge other players online, no sign-up required to start.
Looking for the other regional variant?
Read about Koti (the Lesotho variant)