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3. Rules

Since there are many sets of rules for Mancala, I have decided to implement two alternatives. ( see also: A brief history of Mancala ) You can change the rules and even invent your own ones by using the " Preferences... " dialog in the " Options " menu.

3.1 Simple Rules

Simple Rule

The simple rules are usually played with 5 small fields on each players side and 3 stones in each field. However you may change this in the " Preferences... " dialog if you wish.
As the name says: the simple rules are very simple:


3.2 Advanced Rules

Advanced rule

The advanced rules are usually played with 6 small fields on each players side and 4 stones in each field. As already pointed out in the simple rules section above you can change this in the " Preferences... " dialog if you want.
The main difference between the simple rules and the advanced rules is, that - when using the advanced rules - the opponent's side is " taboo ". That is to say, when the last stone lands in an empty field on the other players side you cannot put the stones of the opposite field into your mancala, and one cannot put a stone into the opponent's mancala when traversing his side. Furthermore only the stones in players mancala give his score, not the number of all the stones on his side.


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