Deluxe Wood Mancala

by Pavilion

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• ASIN: B00000JD4Q
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #25,801 in Toys & Games (See Top 100 in Toys & Games)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)

Product Description

Editorial Review

The word mancala means "to transfer" in Arabic, and different versions of this deceptively simple strategy game are played all around the world. Each of the 12 pits contains 4 "seeds" or stones. The player chooses one pit from which to "sow" the seeds. All the stones from that pit are placed one by one into the successive pits, counterclockwise around the board. The game ends when all of the pits on one side of the board are empty; the winner is the player with the most stones. This set features a oak-finish wood board with artificial gemstone playing pieces. --S.J. Kurtz

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

57 of 59 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for learning strategy, December 17, 2000

By 

M. Ragen "searagen" (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Durability:3.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Deluxe Wood Mancala (Toy)

This is a marvelous games for young minds to learn strategy and counting with. The game is deceptively simple which makes it appropriate for fairly young kids (5+) to be able to play. However, in order to do well at this game, kids need to think ahead -- not only to set up their future moves but also to think about how to prevent their opponent from getting some easy scores.

The board size of this version is pretty much perfect. It's large enouch that the stones can't get lost yet it's ability to fold in half makes it possible to bring along as a travel game; because it folds, the game pieces can be easily stored inside. (Note: like any game with game pieces, the stones/pits can be lost. The great thing with this game is that they can be easily replaced with beach pebbles if necessary.)

This game can be entertaining for hours. And, because there is some strategy, it is also fun for adults to play. We highly recommend this game.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Check it out moms, dads and kids. Totally Awesome, November 28, 2000

By 

"ughdiver" (Michigan United States) - See all my reviews

= Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:3.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Deluxe Wood Mancala (Toy)

My son received this game for Christmas 2 years ago. He is now 14. We have had alot of fun with this game over those 2 years. We were playing it the other day and left it out when my 20 year old son and girlfriend came over. They saw it and wanted to play. We taught them how and they just couldn't stop playing it! They came over at 9:30pm and left at 2:00 a.m.. The game is a game of strategy and it's not something you have to think real hard on like chess. My 20 year old is going to buy one! He just loves it. Try it out. Min. age 8 to 100

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mancala?, July 31, 2005

By 

Wisconsin Dad (Wisconsin United States) - See all my reviews

= Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Deluxe Wood Mancala (Toy)

You might be quick to ignore Mancala as you pass by the game isle of your local mega-store. After all, how fun can a game with a small board, a bunch of holes and some multi-colored gems be? Tremendous fun.

Mancala is under-rated in the gaming world, but fun to play for all ages. My daughter has been playing (and beating) Mancala with me since she was 5. While Mancala involves strategy, it is fast paced enough where the strategy does not become monotonous or repetitive.

No matter how I try to map out my future moves, my daughter still seems to beat me 33% of the time. Fun for every member of you house, from ages 5 to 105.

The quality of this product is extremely good for the price. The board is sturdy, and the glass marbles are not just cheap plastic. It is very possible for this game to last well over 20 years if taken proper care of.