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A new round begins, and many variants give certain advantages to previous winners.Īlthough there are several variants in the market, the features of the game are easily recognizable. When there are no more pieces to play, the player with the most pieces in the store wins the game.
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In the Philippines, it is common for both players to start the match simultaneously, while the start of the next play is determined by the player who continued with his first move the longest.
#Mancala capture rules how to#
the player should not play in the opponent’s store), then the player can distribute pieces from one of the holes on his/her side.Ī player can capture many pieces before an opponent has a chance if the player can calculate how to end up in their store with each additional distribution counter. If the last piece falls into the player’s store (i.e. After you have captured the stones/stones from the opponent’s line and added them to those in your store, it’s your opponent’s turn.
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#Mancala capture rules full#
However, the complete game rules were provided as early as 1937 by BERNARDO, who also documented full matches between two players. Although he didn’t have detailed rules, they perfectly depict how Mancala is played in this modern era. Stewart Culin was the first to mention and describe the Philippines mancala game rules, Sungka. This is probably the benefit it offers to mental health, the physical body and the way it strengthens strategic thinking.įor every game, there must be a rule guiding it. Try to plan two or three moves into the future.The mancala game is an ancient game that has maintained its popularity. Planning ahead is essential to victory in board games like Mancala. The winner is the player with the most pieces. The player who still has pieces on his side of the board when the game ends captures all of those pieces.Ĭount all the pieces in each store. The game ends when all six spaces on one side of the Mancala board are empty. Always place all captured pieces in your store. Side, you capture that piece and any pieces in the hole directly opposite.Ĥ. If the last piece you drop is in an empty hole on your If the last piece you drop is in your own store, you getģ. If you run into your opponent's store, skip it.Ģ. If you run into your own store, deposit one piece in it. Stones in each hole until the stones run out.ġ. Moving counter-clockwise, the player deposits one of the Pieces in any one of the holes on his side. The game begins with one player picking up all of the (Cereal bowls work well for this purpose.) The color of the pieces is irrelevant.Įach player has a 'store' to the right side of the Mancala board. Next, four pieces - marbles or stones - are placed in each of the 12 holes.
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If you don't have a Mancala board handy, an empty egg carton can work. The Mancala 'board' is made up of two rows of six holes, or pits, each.
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