Mancala variants
Other ways to play Mancala, each one ready to play here. Read how a variant changes the rules, then start a game with it chosen in the table setup.
Kalah with 3 to 6 seeds
Standard Kalah started with 3, 5 or 6 seeds in every pit instead of 4: a quicker game with fewer seeds, a deeper one with more.
Empty Capture
A Kalah rule variation: a last seed landing in an empty pit of your own is always taken to your store, even when the pit opposite is empty.
Congkak
The mancala of Malaysia and Indonesia: seven pits a side, seven seeds in each, clockwise sowing that runs on from pit to pit.
Bao la Kujifunza
The beginners' form of Bao, the great mancala of East Africa: four rows of eight pits, sowing in either direction and compulsory captures.
Bao la Kiswahili
The full Bao of Zanzibar: four rows of eight pits, 22 seeds brought onto the board from hand, and a square nyumba with powers of its own.