Campbell Steven 
Mancala is among the oldest board games in the world, which is considered to have a simple set of rules yet a complex strategy. And if you have ever wondered how to play Mancala, this guide will take you through some of the basics and offer suggestions on how to play better.
What is Mancala?
Mancala is a set of the world’s family of sowing games, played usually with small stones, seeds, or beads, and a board with many pits or holes. Most Mancala games are designed to outmaneuver your opponent. It is named so because the word naqala in Arabic means to move. Mancala is simple, but it does not demand much more of your ability to think and plan.
Mancala Board Setup
Each player is allowed 2 rows of six small pits on the Mancala board and a larger store or mancala at each end to store pieces that are captured. At the beginning of the game, the small pits hold the same number of stones, which is normally four. Every player dominates the six pits on his or her side and the store to his or her right.
Mancala: Instructions on How to Play.
Selecting an Opening Player: Who plays first, by mutual consent or by the cast of dice.
Picking Up Stones: Have all the stones in one of the six pits you picked up.
Sowing Stones: Have the stones that move clockwise and place one stone on the next pit, including your store, without considering your opponent’s store.
Capturing Stones: On the side of your position, you land a stone in an empty pi,t and you capture the stone and those on the directly opposite side of the pit on your opponent. Put all the stones you have taken in your shop.
Ending Your Turn: You are finished when all the stones you have used fail to land in your store. When it does come to your store, you get another turn.
Game End: The game goes into the end when the six pits on one side are filled. The one who has the most stones in his/her store wins.
Tips for Playing Mancala
Plan Before Moving: Have a few moves in mind, in order not to leave the stones in their path to be captured.
Control Your Store: Land in your last stone in your store and get additional turns.
Watch Your Opponent: Pay attention to what your opponent does to know when he/she captures.
Practice Strategy: More advanced players are likely to give up a very few number of stones to establish larger captures in the future.
Why Learn Mancala?
Playing Mancala not only makes the game to look more interesting when you are playing with friends and family but also makes you learn how to count, plan, and think strategically. It is lightweight, can be easily installed and can be used by all ages. Mancala is a game that provides endless fun whether you are playing it casually or professionally.
Conclusion
Now that you have learned how to play Mancala, you can play one yourself. Note that the rules are not complicated, though the strategy has to be learnt during a long time. Mancala is a game that is timeless and eager to play, as every game will teach you new tricks.
