Mancala - Free Online Strategy Board Game
Play Mancala (Kalah) online for free — the classic African stone-counting strategy game that's been played for thousands of years. Challenge our AI opponent or play locally with a friend. With a built-in tutorial, it's perfect for fans of board games, strategy games, and classic two-player games. No download required.
How to Play Mancala
- The board has 12 small pits (6 on each side) and 2 large stores (Mancalas) at the ends.
- On your turn, pick up all stones from one of your 6 pits.
- Sow them counterclockwise — drop one stone in each subsequent pit, including your Mancala.
- Skip your opponent's Mancala when sowing.
- If your last stone lands in your Mancala, you get a bonus turn.
- If your last stone lands in an empty pit on your side, you capture it plus any stones in the opposite pit.
- The game ends when one side has no stones — the player with the most stones wins.
Tips & Strategy
- Extra turns are key — count ahead to land your last stone in your Mancala for a free move.
- Keep your rightmost pits well-stocked early — they're closest to your Mancala and easier to score from.
- Watch for capture opportunities — emptying a pit at the right time can steal a big haul from across the board.
- Don't over-empty your side too early — you'll give your opponent the endgame advantage.
- In the endgame, forcing your opponent to run out of stones first can swing the score dramatically.
- Play the tutorial mode first to internalize the sowing and capturing rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mancala free to play?
Yes! Mancala is 100% free to play in your browser. No download or signup needed.
Can I play Mancala on mobile?
Yes — the game is fully touch-optimized. Tap a pit to pick up and sow its stones.
Can I play against a friend?
Yes! Mancala supports local two-player mode (pass and play) as well as a single-player AI mode with adjustable difficulty.
What are the rules of Mancala?
This version uses Kalah rules: sow counterclockwise, skip the opponent's Mancala, get a bonus turn for landing in your own, and capture by landing in an empty pit on your side.
How long does a game take?
A typical game lasts 5-10 minutes. The tutorial mode teaches the rules in under 2 minutes.