Mancala Rules
Objective: The goal of Mancala is to collect more stones in your Mancala (store) than your opponent.
Setup:
- The Mancala board consists of two rows, each with six small pits. Each player has a Mancala (store) to their right side of the board.
- The game starts with 4 stones in each of the 12 smaller pits.
Playing the Game:
Turns:
- Players take turns picking up all the stones from one of their pits and distributing them, one by one, in a counter-clockwise direction into the following pits, including their own Mancala but not their opponent's Mancala.
- If the last stone lands in your Mancala, you get another turn.
- If the last stone lands in an empty pit on your side, you capture that stone and any stones in the opposite pit (your opponent's pit) and place them in your Mancala.
Free Turns:
- You receive a free turn if the last stone you drop lands in your own Mancala.
Ending the Game:
- The game ends when all six pits on one side of the board are empty.
- The player who still has stones on their side of the board moves them to their Mancala.
- The player with the most stones in their Mancala at the end of the game wins.
Rules:
- Players must distribute stones only in the pits and their own Mancala during their turn, skipping the opponent's Mancala.
- Capturing occurs only when the last stone lands in an empty pit on your side and there are stones in the opposite pit.
- The game encourages strategic thinking about which pit to start from in order to maximize captures or secure another turn.
Tips for Playing:
- Plan several moves ahead, considering how the stones will distribute around the board.
- Pay attention to opportunities to capture multiple stones from your opponent.
- Utilize the rule allowing a free turn when the last stone lands in your Mancala strategically.
Enjoy your game of Mancala, and remember, strategic planning and attention to the opponent's moves are key to winning!