About Mancala
Mancala is one of the oldest known board games. This version uses the popular Kalah rules, with 6 pits per side and 4 seeds in each.
Mancala at a glance
| Genre | Multiplayer game |
|---|---|
| Price | Free, no download or sign-up |
| Controls | Tap, online or on one device |
| Typical game length | 5 to 20 minutes |
| Lives | None |
| Works on | Phones, tablets and computers, in any modern browser |
| Daily challenge | Yes, the same puzzle for everyone each day |
How to play Mancala
- Choose a mode. Pick how to play: Online with friends (create a room and share the link), Pass & play on one device, or vs Computer.
- Pick a pit. Choose one of your pits with seeds.
- Sow the seeds. One per pit, skipping your opponent's store.
- Earn extra turns. End in your own store to go again.
- Capture. End in an empty pit on your side to capture the seeds opposite.
Rules
- When one side is empty, all remaining seeds go to their owners' stores.
- Online rooms hold 2 players. Moves appear instantly on every player's screen.
Levels and difficulty
2 players.
Scoring
Winning a game scores 1,000 points, a draw 300 and taking part 100. Share your result with the people you played. Daily challenge scores can be shared with friends.
Tips and strategy for Mancala
- Look for moves that end in your store.
- Keep seeds in your rightmost pits for extra turns.
History of the game
Mancala games have been played in Africa and the Middle East for well over a thousand years.
How we built and tested Mancala
We tested every rule by having the computer play thousands of moves against itself at each player count, making sure every game ends properly and no illegal move is ever accepted. Online rooms were tested with two simulated players joining the same room and taking turns.
Frequently asked questions
Which rules are used?
Kalah rules: 6 pits, 4 seeds each, captures and extra turns.
How do I play with a friend online?
Choose "Play online with friends", then share the room link or code on WhatsApp. When your friend opens it, they join your room and you can start.
Do my friends need an account?
No. Guests are signed in anonymously in the background, so anyone with the link can join.