Play mancala game online
Years ago, when I went to north Africa on holiday, I became obsessed with playing Mancala and came back with a beautiful carved wooden board. The goal is to hoard the most gems, and it’s a hugely fun way to improve maths and strategy skills. If you have already played before, and want to improve your skills in Mancala game play online, scroll down to get started. Otherwise read on to learn how to play.
If you love this game as much as I do, check out the instructions below to make your own board at home … I’ve included three fun variations on what to use instead of gems, see if you can think of any more!
At the moment, this game is only playable on PC or tablet (in rotation mode).
There are many variations of the game from Arabic and African countries, and this is just one version here. The variations include: Oware, Kalah, Bao, Sungka, Omweso, Pallanguzhi, Toguz Korgool, Gabata, Warri, Congkak, Gebeta, Ouril, Kiela, Coro, Dakon, Dara-dara, Daramutu, Ellaewala-kanda, El Arnab, En Gehé, Endodoi, Enkeshui, Eson Xorgol, Galatjang, Giuthi, Göçürme, Halusa, Hawalis, Hoyito, Igisoro, Ingilith, Isafu, Isafuba, Isolo, J’erin, Kakumei, Kale, Kaloleh, Kapo, Kanji guti, Katro, Khutka boia, Kisolo, Kotu-baendum, Kombe, Köçürme, Krur, Kubuguza, La’b Madjnuni, La’b Hakimi, La’b Akila, La’b Roseya, Lamlameta, Latho, Layli Goobalay, Li’b al-ghashim, Longbeu-a-cha, Lontu-Holo, Madji, Main chakot, Mak Khom, Makonn, Mancala’h, and Mandoli. Phew!
The game starts with 48 gems evenly distributed between both players. The main aim of the Mancala game is to gather as many gems as possible in your mancala, which is the rightmost cup on your side of the board. Both players take turns moving gems until one player has no stones left in their cups.
- Only move gems from the cups on your side.
- When you move, pick up all the gems in one cup and distribute them by placing one gem in the cup to the right, and then a second gem in the next cup to the right, moving anticlockwise, until all the gems have been used up.
- If your last gem lands in your mancala, you get another turn.
- If your last gem lands in an empty cup on your side and there are gems in the opposite cup, capture all gems in both cups and place them in your mancala.
- The game ends when a player has no stones in any of their six pits. The remaining stones on the opponent’s side are placed in their Mancala. The player with the most stones in their Mancala wins.
- Start with a move that allows you to place a stone in your mancala cup to gain an extra turn.
- Count the gems in your cup before moving to ensure your last gem lands with the best potential.
- Aim to capture gems by landing your last gem in an empty cup on your side with opposing gems.
- Strategically place stones to set up captures in subsequent turns.
- Try to control the flow of stones to maintain the upper hand and limit your opponent’s moves.
- Practice makes perfect; keep playing to refine your strategy and increase your chances of winning.
Are you ready to test your wits against the computer? Ready, steady, Mancala!
Make your own mancala board at home
Step 1: Eat the Eggs
Whether you prefer them scrambled, fried, or poached, make sure to empty the carton.
Materials Needed:
- One empty egg carton (12-egg size)
- Two small containers (such as paper cups, matchboxes, or sweet tins) for the Mancala cups
- Glue or tape
- Scissors
- 48 game pieces (see below for variations)
Instructions:
Prepare the Egg Carton:
- Cut the lid off the egg carton, leaving the bottom portion with the 12 egg cups intact.
- If you don’t have any special containers for the mancala cups, cut the lid in half to form two identical containers.
Create the Mancala Cups:
- Attach your mancala cups to each end of the egg carton base using glue or tape. Captured pieces are stored here.
Set Up the Board:
- Find a good spot to place the egg carton with the 12 cups in the middle and the two Mancala cups at each end.
- Distribute the 48 game pieces evenly by placing four pieces in each of the 12 cups.
Fun Variations:
- Use stones collected from the beach as your game pieces.
- Play with small LEGO pieces; the winner gets to create something with all 48 pieces.
- For a healthy twist, use blueberries as game pieces and enjoy them as a snack when the game is over – but don’t eat them while you play or you won’t know who’s won!
