Game Time

In case you aren’t familiar with this very enjoyable game we’ve been enjoying, we want to introduce you to it. It’s called Mancala.

During this pandemic lockdown we are all looking for things to do with our spouses or children to connect with each other at home and pass the time in new and happy ways. Mandala is a game that fills that bill and is fun for all ages. It requires strategy and a certain amount of counting skill, but even very young children can learn to play, and with a bit of luck, they can beat their opponents no matter their age.

This game has been entertaining and challenging people for centuries. Versions of the game date back to the 7th century and evidence suggests the game even existed in ancient Egypt.

All versions of this game have the same basic set up…six “holes” on each side of the board with 4 stones or glass beads in each and a longer trench or “mancala” at each end of the board. The objective of Mancala is to capture more stones than your opponent. There are several versions of the rules but they are similar and all are fun. Your set will come with rules, but you can also look up versions of the rules on the internet.

You can find these sets in a lot of places and stores, but this Mancala set we’re showing you here is available on Amazon. (Click on the word Mancala for the link to Amazon) This one is a favorite as it has a latch that allows you to lock it so you can take it with you to the beach (once they open them up again) or the park, to a friends home, or on vacation without worrying about losing the glass beads. Or you can just to store it safely and easily in a drawer or on a shelf.

We think you’ll enjoy this game and play it again and again. Give it a try.