Blocking A Mill
📋 What it is
You stop an enemy mill by placing or moving a piece onto the empty point they need to complete it.
🗣️ Coach says
Defense is as important as attack. If the opponent has two pieces on a line and an empty third point, they threaten a mill — capturing YOUR piece next turn. Block it by putting one of your pieces on that key empty point. Spotting the threat one move early saves you pieces.
🧠 Memory hook
Two enemy in a row + an empty third = a threat. Sit on that empty point to block.
😂 Giggle
Why are the crossing points the prime real estate?
Because a spot on four lines gives you four ways to build a mill!
😲 Whoa!
A single well-placed blocking piece can neutralise a whole area — good defenders often place a piece that both blocks an enemy mill AND helps build one of their own.
✅ Quick check: How do you block an opponent from completing a mill?
Say your answer out loud first — then reveal.
Occupy the empty point they need — place or move one of your pieces onto the third spot of their would-be mill line.
Filling the key empty point prevents the three-in-a-row.
🧪 Try it! (2 minutes)
Set two enemy pieces on a line and block their mill by taking the open point. See the threat vanish.