QUICK START
VerifiedLearn to play in under 2 minutes
Two rows of 6 pits, each starting with 4 seeds. Each player has a store (mancala) on their right. Total: 48 seeds in play.
Pick up all seeds from one of your pits and sow them one-by-one counter-clockwise into following pits (including your store, but skipping opponent's store).
The game ends when one side is empty. Collect the most seeds in your store to win!
FULL RULES
VerifiedSetup
Each player sits on one side of the board. Your 6 pits are the ones closest to you, and your store (mancala) is on your right. Each pit starts with 4 seeds. Player 1 moves first.
Sowing Seeds
On your turn, pick up ALL seeds from one of your pits. Moving counter-clockwise, drop one seed into each pit you pass, including your own store. Skip your opponent's store—never put seeds there.
Extra Turn
If your last seed lands in your own store, you get another turn immediately! Chain multiple extra turns for big combos.
Capture
If your last seed lands in an empty pit on YOUR side, you capture that seed AND all seeds in the pit directly opposite. Captured seeds go into your store.
Game End
When all 6 pits on one side are empty, the game ends. The player with seeds remaining on their side collects them into their store. The player with the most seeds in their store wins!
Ties
If both players have exactly 24 seeds (half), the game is a tie. This is rare but possible with careful play.
STRATEGY TIPS
Beginner Tips:
- ▸Always look for moves that land in your store (free extra turn!)
- ▸Empty pits on your side are capture opportunities—set them up
- ▸Count seeds to predict where your last seed will land
- ▸The rightmost pit (closest to store) is powerful for extra turns
Advanced Tips:
- ▸Keep seeds moving on your side to deny opponent captures
- ▸A pit with many seeds can sweep across the board—use it wisely
- ▸Force opponent to give you captures by emptying their options
- ▸In endgame, every seed counts—calculate precisely