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How to Play Mancala

Rules and tips for Mancala (Kalah rules), for first-time players.

How to play Mancala

  1. 1

    The board has two rows of six pits and a large pit at each end, called a store. The bottom row and the store on the right are yours. Each pit starts with four stones, 48 in all.

  2. 2

    On your turn, pick one of your pits, take all its stones and sow them one by one into the following pits, counterclockwise. Drop one into your own store, but skip your opponent's store.

  3. 3

    If your last stone lands in your store, you move again. There's no limit to how many times this can happen.

  4. 4

    If your last stone lands in an empty pit on your side and the pit directly across has stones, you capture that stone and all the stones across, and put them in your store. If the pit across is empty, nothing is captured.

  5. 5

    The game ends when all six pits on either side are empty. Each player puts the stones left on their own side into their own store. The player with more stones in their store wins. 24 each is a draw.

Tips to win

Play Mancala →

FAQ

Is Mancala free to play?

Yes, and there's no sign-up. Play right in your browser on a phone, tablet or computer.

Which rules does this game use?

Mancala is the name of a whole family of sowing games. This site uses the popular rules often called Kalah: six pits per side with four stones in each. If your last stone lands in an empty pit and the pit across is empty too, nothing is captured.

Can I choose how strong the computer is?

Yes, there are five levels: Beginner, Easy, Medium, Hard and Expert. Beginner plays loosely, so first-time players can win. Expert looks many moves ahead.

Can two people play?

Yes. Choose "2 players" as the opponent and take turns on the same device, one on the bottom row and one on the top row.

Are there undo and hints?

You can undo as many times as you like. Against the computer, undo takes you back to before your last move. Press Hint to highlight a suggested pit.

Does moving first help?

With these rules, the player who moves first is said to have the advantage. Let the computer start if you want a tougher game.

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