They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. And if any game fits the "old dog" label, it’s Mancala. This game has been played for centuries across different cultures, yet somehow, most people still play it the same way they did as kids.

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Drop stones, hope for the best, repeat.

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But here’s the thing: moving pieces is not all there is to Mancala. A strong opening move can put you in the driver’s seat from the start, while a bad one can leave you scrambling to recover all game long. If you keep losing early and don’t know why, you probably make small mistakes that add up quickly.

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To fix that, we talked to Creamice, a pro gamer and hardcore Mancala fan. With his help, this guide will break down the best opening move, the traps to avoid, and how to control the board from the very first turn.

The Best Mancala Opening Move

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According to Creamice, there’s one move that will turn you into the most skilled Mancala player in an instant:

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Pick up the stones from the fourth pit from your Mancala store (counting from the right).

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Why? Because it lands your last stone straight into your store, giving you an extra turn immediately. More turns mean more control, and in Mancala, control is everything. If you start with this move, you can quickly build momentum while forcing your opponent into a reactive position. It’s the perfect way for you to set the pace of the game.

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The Opening Move That Looks Good but Is Actually a Trap

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In FC Mobile, it would be a backpass to your goalkeeper that ends up in an opponent's hands or pressing aggressively right from kickoff, only to have your players out of position and exposed to quick counterattacks. In Call of Duty Mobile, it’s running straight to the middle of the map at the start of a Search & Destroy match only to realize you’re an easy target for snipers. 

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In Free Fire, it would be landing in high-loot areas like Clock Tower until multiple other squads land with you, leaving you outnumbered and unarmed. The point is some excellent moves can just end up as traps. In Mancala, the equivalent is that many new players go for the first or second pit from the right because it feels like you’re getting stones into play fast. But as Creamice warns, this move is bait.

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Sure, you’re moving early, but you’re also setting up your opponent for easy captures or even extra turns. If they capitalize on that, you’re already behind. So, your best bet is to avoid this unless you know exactly how to counter the risks.

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How to Read Your Opponent Early

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Making the right first move is only the first step. Your next point of focus should be reading your opponent. The first few turns reveal a lot about how your opponent plays. According to Creamice, here’s what to watch for:

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• Do they go for extra turns quickly? If they do, then they're likely an aggressive player. Counter this by limiting their chances to get extra turns.
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• Are they spreading their stones evenly? If you encounter someone like this, they’re likely playing a ‘control’ game. They’re thinking ahead, keeping options open. To disrupt them, force them into moves that limit their flexibility.
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• Do they avoid captures? This is a clear sign of a defensive player/ playing defensively. They don’t want to take risks, so apply pressure by forcing them into tough choices.

Once you know their style, you can start setting traps and forcing them into bad moves.

Setting Up Future Moves to Control the Board

The best players don’t just think about their next move; they think three, four, even five moves ahead. Creamice’s top strategy is to:

• Keep a balanced pit distribution. If your stones are spread out evenly, you always have options. This keeps you flexible and prevents your opponent from forcing you into bad plays.
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• Manipulate where your opponent lands. Empty pits can be your best friends; especially if you set them up as traps. Leaving a key pit empty at the right time forces your opponent into making suboptimal moves.
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• Set up extra-turn chains. The more you move, the less control your opponent has. If you can set up a sequence where you land in your store multiple times, you’ll dominate the board before they can recover.
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Losing in the Opening? Here’s What to Do

If you still keep getting crushed early, you need to start securing extra turns. The fourth-pit opening move is your best bet.

Also, don’t empty too many pits too soon. It’s one move that ends up limiting your options later. Instead, you should focus on setting up future captures and extra turns rather than just grabbing stones immediately.
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In A Nutshell

Mancala may seem simple, but it’s a board game that has stood the test of time for its competitiveness, how entertaining it can get, and most importantly, how far it makes you think. So, if you want to win more, start using the fourth-pit move, avoid the bait openings, and watch your opponent’s patterns.

If you’re looking for a fresh way to play, check out Mancala Adventures on Carry1st. It's a great way to practice against different playstyles and sharpen your skills.

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