Mancala
Scoop up a pit and sow its seeds counter-clockwise — land the last seed in your store to go again.
About the game
Mancala is an ancient sowing game; this version uses the common Kalah rules. Sow seeds to fill your store — extra turns and captures make every move a calculation.
How to play
- Each side has 6 pits of 4 seeds. On your turn, pick up one of your pits and sow counter-clockwise, one seed per pit (skipping the opponent’s store).
- If the last seed lands in your store, you go again.
- If it lands in one of your empty pits and the opposite pit has seeds, capture both into your store.
- When one side runs out, each side keeps its remaining seeds; the larger store wins. A win scores 100 + 5 × margin; a loss ends the run.
Controls
Tap one of your pits on the bottom row; keys 1–6 pick pits from left to right.
Tips for a high score
- Count seeds to find pits that end exactly in your store.
- Watch for big opposing pits facing your empty pits.
- Late in the game, keep seeds near your store.
FAQ
- How do you play Mancala?
- Each side has 6 pits of 4 seeds. On your turn, pick up one of your pits and sow counter-clockwise, one seed per pit (skipping the opponent’s store). If the last seed lands in your store, you go again. If it lands in one of your empty pits and the opposite pit has seeds, capture both into your store. When one side runs out, each side keeps its remaining seeds; the larger store wins. A win scores 100 + 5 × margin; a loss ends the run.
- What are the controls?
- Tap one of your pits on the bottom row; keys 1–6 pick pits from left to right.
- Any tips for Mancala?
- Count seeds to find pits that end exactly in your store. Watch for big opposing pits facing your empty pits. Late in the game, keep seeds near your store.
- Do I need to download or sign up?
- No. Mancala runs in your browser on phone or desktop for free. Your best score is saved locally in your browser.