Play Online Mancala
Mancala came from Africa and the Middle East centuries ago. Players aim to gather more stones than their rival. The board shows twelve small pits and two larger stores. Each player takes charge of six pits plus one store for captured stones.
At the start each small pit holds a set number of stones. Common rules place three to six stones in every pit. One player grabs all stones from a chosen pit and drops them one by one into nearby pits and into the store. Landing the last stone in the store grants another move. Dropping the last stone into an empty pit lets a player capture that stone and any stones in the directly opposite pit. One side may finish with zero stones. The rival then shifts any remaining stones into the store. That triggers match end. The player with more stones wins.
Mancala uses straightforward actions but invites deep thought. Players watch each move and plan ahead. Different regions change board shapes. Rules can tweak how captures work. Some versions speed up rounds. Other versions stretch play over longer turns. Newcomers pick up basic tactics in minutes. Mastering the timing of captures takes more practice. Every match offers a new test for both kids and adults.