Mancala, a traditional African board game, has made its way to the digital age, and now that it is on your phone, the game has never been so fun. Mancala Adventures allows players to immerse themselves in unique graphics, exciting gameplay, and players from around the world. If you are a first-time player or even a seasoned veteran of the game, these tips and tricks will improve your tactics and help you beat your opponents.

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Make the Most of Your Opening Move

If you know how to play Mancala, one opening move can help you score early on in Mancala. And just like the game's original version, to maximize your chances of scoring on your opening turn, your stones should be dropped into your Mancala – the larger pit. This is probably the best opening strategy in a fast-paced game like Mancala.

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Go for Extra Turns

Gaining the upper hand in Mancala becomes intuitive if you take moves that give you extra turns. Effectively, you make another move whenever the last stone from your player's turn is placed in a mancala. It's essential to systematically look for opportunities for these bonus turns since they will give you the edge on the board, help you acquire more stones, and assist in keeping your opponent in check. In the case of the online game, additional quick turns appear to be more entertaining, so make sure to do them whenever possible!

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Use an All-Around Approach

Adopting an offensive and defensive approach is advisable if you want to succeed in Mancala. For instance, you can look out for strategies that will expose your flank to captures, such as leaving a pit with a single stone, and aim to retain a few stones in every pit. This prevents your opponent from scoring easy points while allowing you more room for maneuver in your strategy.

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Master the Strategy of Capture

Captures in Mancala are essential; if mastered, they can turn the tides of a game. For instance, whenever your last stone lands in an empty pit in your half, you will capture all the stones in the pit, which is located directly opposite the half of your opponent. This method enhances one's score and reduces the possible score from the other half. Players should check the opponents' number of stones in each pit and strategize on when to capture.

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Disperse Your Pebbles

However, do not eject every pit on your side of the board too rapidly since this may restrain your prospects. Keeping the pebbles distributed over the board gives you better control over your moves and improves the chances of making captures and gaining extra turns. In Mancala, proper stone placement and consideration remain a primary aspect of succeeding.

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Be Strategic

The online version of Mancala, like any other version, encourages players to strategize. Before making a move, take a step back and think about how the move will benefit the current turn and the next few moves. Mancala allows one to quickly get a picture of various possible moves. Utilize this knowledge to stay two steps ahead of your opponent and never step into a trap.

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Switch Up Your Game as Per Your Opponent

Mancala allows you to match with opponents from all corners of the globe; each one employs a different strategy and their shape of the game. Be fluid and switch it up if the opponent has a particular way of playing the game. If your opponents concentrate on a specific board area and do not use sure pits, which are pits that guarantee a capture, be prepared for a shift. The more you play, the more experience and practice you'll have in interpreting the actions of other players and planning your moves accordingly.

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Endgame Strategy: Finish Strong

Think about the best way to use your remaining moves. Where possible, your aim should be to place the maximum number of stones in your Mancala. If you are ahead, try to ensure the game ends with your moves and not with one of your opponent's. This will ensure that the opponent has no chance to make any rapid final moves and enable you to win the game.

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Have fun with the game!

While every move in Mancala counts, it's important to remember that the game is also about having fun. Take your time with each move, considering the various options available to you. With each game, you'll learn what works best for you. So, relax, enjoy the game, and let the fun of Mancala take over!

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Excited for a New Challenge? Play Mancala Adventures!

If you're gearing up to use these strategies, jump into Mancala Adventures right now! Mancala Adventures, found on the App Store, revitalizes the old-school game by featuring beautiful graphics, engaging content, and an active user base. Challenge yourself to reach the top of the rankings!

‍Download Mancala Adventures and dominate Mancala by 2025!

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Source: How to win at Mancala