How to Play Kalah Mancala

THE PLAYBOOK · CD12372

Read before your next round of Kalah Mancala

Kalah Mancala gives you a focused activity to play in your browser. When either row of six pits is empty, remaining seeds go to their owner’s store. The larger store wins. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls. Keep the instructions close while learning this activity. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move.

Build familiarity through play

Watch the feedback after an action. A message can explain whether the input was accepted or whether a rule needs attention. Notice the feedback after each input.

Understand the aim

When either row of six pits is empty, remaining seeds go to their owner’s store. The larger store wins. An attractive position is not enough unless the goal is met. The example below illustrates a decision.

Step by step

1. Player 1 uses the bottom six pits; Player 2 uses the top six.
2. Choose a non-empty pit on your side and sow its seeds one at a time.
3. Include your own store but skip the opponent’s store. Ending in your store grants another turn.
4. Ending in an empty pit on your own side captures that seed and the opposite seeds, when the opposite pit is non-empty.

Using the playing area

Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. A careful first action helps you become familiar with the layout. Return to the rules if the result is unexpected.

See how the rules apply

If your last seed reaches your store, you move again. If your row becomes empty, both stores are settled immediately. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. Take a moment to compare.

An important reminder

The stores are scoring areas, not pits you can choose. These are Kalah rules, not every Mancala variant. Compare the situation with the worked example. Compare the worked example with your own position. Use the reasoning, not an answer copied from a different board.

Answers about the rules and controls