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Kalah Mancala: rules and examples

Practice with a purpose

Read one step at a time and try it on the playing area. Match the instruction to the control you use. Use the example to check your reasoning.

Your objective

When either row of six pits is empty, remaining seeds go to their owner’s store. The larger store wins. Keep that objective in view throughout the round. Return to the instructions when a step is unclear.

Follow these playing steps

  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.

How to use the controls

Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch. Keep the playing area visible while using these controls. Read the example below alongside these instructions.

Work through an 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. Choose a deliberate next step.

A useful caution

The stores are scoring areas, not pits you can choose. These are Kalah rules, not every Mancala variant. Compare the situation with the worked example. Before your first action, say what you are trying to achieve. Then compare the result with the goal.

A few questions answered

Before I begin, what is the goal of Kalah Mancala?

Here is the relevant explanation: When either row of six pits is empty, remaining seeds go to their owner’s store. The larger store wins.

For this browser game, how do I control Kalah Mancala?

Keep this in mind: Use the on-screen controls with a mouse or touch.

For this browser game, what example helps explain Kalah Mancala?

Here is the relevant explanation: If your last seed reaches your store, you move again. If your row becomes empty, both stores are settled immediately.

For my first round, what should I watch out for in Kalah Mancala?

For clarity: The stores are scoring areas, not pits you can choose. These are Kalah rules, not every Mancala variant.

For a quick reminder, what format does Kalah Mancala offer?

Play using the same-device two players mode shown on this page. Read the controls before starting a new round.

Before I begin, which play mode does Kalah Mancala use?

For clarity: The mode on this page is Same-device two players. Same-device play uses one screen; this game library does not provide internet matchmaking.

While learning, where should I start with Kalah Mancala?

Here is the relevant explanation: Player 1 uses the bottom six pits; Player 2 uses the top six.

While learning, do I need an account or a payment for Kalah Mancala?

Keep this in mind: No player account or payment is needed. Game scores are recreational results, not cash prizes.

When I return, how can I find Kalah Mancala again?

For clarity: Use the Games list or save this game page in your browser bookmarks. The Guide is linked from the playing page.

How do I report an issue with Kalah Mancala?

Here is the relevant explanation: Use the contact form and include the game name, browser, device and the actions that led to the issue. Do not send passwords or payment details.