How to Play Mancala with Printable Game Board

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Looking for a fun and educational game that’s easy to learn and rich in history? The Mancala game is a classic strategy game with roots in ancient cultures around the world. In this post, you’ll learn how to play Mancala, explore its fascinating cultural background, and get two easy DIY Mancala game board options—including a free printable and a recycled egg carton version.

What Is Mancala?

Mancala is one of the oldest known board games in the world, with origins tracing back more than 1,000 years to Africa and the Middle East. The word mancala comes from the Arabic word naqala, meaning “to move.” Rather than referring to a single game, Mancala describes a type of game played by moving stones, seeds, or beans around a board of small pits.

Mancala has been played across Africa, the Caribbean, the Philippines, and parts of Asia, with regional variations like Oware, Bao, and Kalah (the version most people know in the U.S.).

Educational Benefits of Playing Mancala

Mancala is more than just fun—it builds valuable skills like:

Counting and early math (especially for younger players)
Strategic thinking and planning ahead
Hand-eye coordination
Cultural awareness
Turn-taking and good sportsmanship

This makes it a great game to play at home, in classrooms, or during family game night.

How to Play Mancala Game

Mancala is a game for two players. It is great for kids and easy for beginners to learn.

What You Need:

A board with 2 rows of 6 small pits (also called “cups”) Use my printable board.
Two large pits (called “stores” or “mancalas”) at the end of each row
48 small items: stones, dried beans, buttons, marbles, or coins

Don’t have a board? Download my free printable or make a DIY version!

Setup:

Each of the 12 small pits starts with 4 stones
The big pit (mancala) on your right side is yours

Objective:

To collect the most stones in your store (mancala) by the end of the game.

Gameplay:

On your turn, pick up all the stones from one of your pits.
Moving counter-clockwise, drop one stone into each pit you pass—including your store, but not your opponent’s store.
If your last stone lands in your own store, you get another turn.
If your last stone lands in an empty pit on your side, you capture that stone and any in the opposite pit on your opponent’s side.
The game ends when all six pits on one side are empty.
The player with the most stones in their store wins.

Make Your Own Mancala Game Board

You don’t need a store-bought board to enjoy Mancala! Here are two simple, hands-on options:

Printable Mancala Board (Free Download)

This printable version is perfect for classrooms, quick setup at home, or travel-friendly play.

Print on cardstock or laminate for durability
Use beads, buttons, dried beans, or small pebbles as game pieces

Download Now!

DIY Egg Carton Mancala Board

Turn an old egg carton into a hands-on game board!

You’ll need:

1 cardboard egg carton (12-egg size)
2 small containers (paper cups or yogurt lids) for the stores
48 small objects (beans, beads, marbles)

Steps:

Cut or fold back the lid of the egg carton.
Attach or place the two containers at each end (these are your mancala stores).
Put 4 small objects in each egg cup to start.
Play using the same rules as above!

Optional: Let kids paint or decorate their board for a personalized look!

How to Use Mancala for Teaching or Play

Mancala is an excellent way to blend fun with learning. Here are a few ideas:

In the Classroom:

Use it as a math station for counting, adding, and subtracting.
Integrate it into world culture or geography units.
Promote cooperative learning and discussion around strategy.

At Home:

Play during family game night to encourage strategic thinking.
Use it as a screen-free boredom buster.
Turn it into a DIY craft + game day with the egg carton version.

Fun Facts & Cultural Tie-Ins

Mancala is still played in many African and Caribbean countries today.
Traditional boards were carved from wood or dug into the ground.
Some variations involve capturing hundreds of pieces—strategy is key!

Variations of the Mancala Game Around the World

Did you know that Mancala isn’t just one game—it’s actually a family of games played around the world? While many people are familiar with the simple version sold in toy stores (often called Kalah), there are dozens of fascinating regional variations, each with its own rules and strategy.

Other Names for Mancala

Depending on the region, you might hear Mancala referred to by other names, such as:

Oware – Ghana, Jamaica, and the Caribbean
Bao – Tanzania and East Africa
Sungka – Philippines
Congkak – Malaysia and Indonesia
Awele (Awélé) – Ivory Coast and West Africa
Omweso – Uganda
Giuthi – Kenya
Toguz Korgool – Central Asia

Many of these games have deep cultural significance and have been passed down for generations. They may have some different rule variations, but all are similar!

Mancala is a timeless game that crosses cultures and generations. Whether you’re introducing it in a classroom or playing at the kitchen table, this simple game offers big benefits. Grab the printable version or make your own—either way, you’ll be building brains while having a blast!

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