Mancala, a game that offers endless hours of engaging play, is a strategic masterpiece for both beginners and seasoned players. Originating from Africa and spreading across continents, Mancala has evolved into various forms, each with unique charm. Whether you're playing with beautifully crafted traditional boards or sleek modern sets, the essence of Mancala remains the same: a blend of skill, strategy, and fun.

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Here are the simple rules for playing the standard version of Mancala, known as Kalah:

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• The objective is to obtain more stones than your opponent. The board has two rows of six small pits each (12 small pits total) and two larger pits called stores, one at each end. These stores are where you keep the stones you capture. Each player controls the six pits on their side and the store to their right.

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• Place four stones in each of the 12 small pits when starting the game. The stores start empty. Players take turns and decide who goes first. On your turn, pick up all the stones from one of your small pits. Move counterclockwise, placing one stone in each pit you pass (including your store but not your opponent's store).

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• If the last stone you place lands in a vacant pit on your side and the opposite pit (on your opponent's side) has stones, you capture all stones in the opposite pit and the last stone you placed. This means you take these stones and place them in your store. If the last stone you place lands in your store, you get another turn. Your turn ends when the last stone you place does not land in an empty pit or your store.

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• The game ends once all six pits on one side of the board are vacant. The player with the remaining stones on their side captures them and places them in their store. The player with the majority of stones in their store wins the game.

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Are you ready to embrace the challenge of learning Mancala? Get a Mancala board, set the stones, and play with these simple rules. Enjoy hours of strategic fun with friends and family. Visit your local game store or download Mancalka Adventures on your mobile device to get started. Master Mancala today and enjoy the thrill of strategic gameplay!

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