How to Play Kalah Mancala

THE PLAYBOOK · SSNHJ

How to play Kalah Mancala

Try Kalah Mancala at your own pace and keep its objective in view. When either row of six pits is empty, remaining seeds go to their owner’s store. The larger store wins. Use the example below to understand a decision. Read the objective before making your first input. Use the example below to understand a decision.

Try a deliberate move

After a move, check what changed. Decide which rule explains the new state before acting again. Make the next step deliberately.

Your goal

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. Check the rules when you are unsure.

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.

Controls

Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Read a button’s label before selecting it. Read the example below alongside these instructions.

A useful example

If your last seed reaches your store, you move again. If your row becomes empty, both stores are settled immediately. Apply the same reasoning to the position in your own round. Check the stated objective.

Watch out for this

The stores are scoring areas, not pits you can choose. These are Kalah rules, not every Mancala variant. Check the rule before repeating the action. Locate the buttons and input area before beginning a long round. Use the on-screen labels to avoid an accidental restart.

Common questions