How to Play Kalah Mancala

THE PLAYBOOK · SZHLJS

How to play 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. Check the relevant rule before repeating a move. Choose a comfortable screen position before beginning. Keep the game area visible while you use its controls.

Keep the aim in sight

Keep the stated aim separate from side details such as animation or appearance. Progress is measured by the game’s own completion or scoring rules. Refer to the controls when needed.

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. 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.

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. Compare this with the rule that governs the move. 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. A different version of the game may use a different rule. Read one step at a time and try it on the playing area. Match the instruction to the control you use.

Common questions