Mancala is a family of board games played worldwide. It is sometimes referred to as “sowing” or “count-and-capture” games.
The word Mancala comes from the Arabic word naqala, meaning “to move.”
The game’s origins are believed to date back thousands of years, and evidence of it is found in archaeological sites across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
The game is typically played on a board with two rows of six holes or pits, and each player has a larger store (also known as a Mancala) to their right.
The game begins with four seeds (or stones) in each of the twelve smaller pits.
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The objective of the game is to capture more seeds than your opponent.
Relevance of Mancala Strategies to the Workplace
The strategies used in Mancala have significant relevance to the workplace.
The game requires strategic thinking, planning, and decision-making skills, all of which are crucial in a professional environment. It also encourages players to anticipate their opponent’s moves, a skill that can be translated into understanding and predicting market trends, competitor actions, or team dynamics.
Furthermore, Mancala requires patience and the ability to adapt to changing situations, qualities that are highly valued in the workplace. We hear this from customers that have ordered our full set of courses.
Successful Strategies for Mancala
1. Strategy: Control the Board
This strategy involves making moves that allow you to control the flow of the game.
By controlling the board, you can dictate the pace and direction of the game, forcing your opponent to react to your moves rather than making their own.
Tips and Examples: Try to keep your seeds spread out across your side of the board. This will give you more options for moves on your turn and make it harder for your opponent to capture your seeds.
2. Strategy: Plan Ahead
Mancala is a game of strategy and foresight. Planning your moves ahead of time can give you a significant advantage.
Tips and Examples: Try to anticipate your opponent’s moves and plan your strategy accordingly. If you see an opportunity to capture a large number of seeds, plan your moves to make that happen.
3. Strategy: Use Your Mancala
Your Mancala is not just a place to store your seeds; it can also be a strategic tool. Seeds in your Mancala are safe from capture, and a well-timed move to your Mancala can disrupt your opponent’s plans.
Tips and Examples: If your opponent is setting up for a big capture, consider making a move that ends in your Mancala. This will give you an extra turn, disrupting your opponent’s plans and potentially allowing you to make the capture instead.
4. Strategy: Keep an Eye on Your Opponent’s Side
While it’s important to focus on your own strategy, you should also keep an eye on your opponent’s side of the board. By watching their moves, you can anticipate their strategy and adjust your own accordingly.
Tips and Examples: If you notice your opponent concentrating their seeds in a few pits, they may be planning a big capture. Consider how you can disrupt their plans or protect your own seeds.
5. Strategy: Be Flexible
Mancala is a dynamic game, and the situation can change quickly. Being able to adapt your strategy on the fly is a key to success.
Tips and Examples: If your initial strategy isn’t working, don’t be afraid to change it. Try a different approach, or adjust your tactics based on what your opponent is doing.
Conclusion
Mancala is a game of strategy, planning, and adaptability.
The skills required to succeed in Mancala – strategic thinking, planning ahead, adaptability, and keen observation – are also crucial in the workplace.
By understanding and applying these strategies, you can not only improve your Mancala game, but also enhance your professional skills.
With 30+ years of experience, Catherine Fitzgerald, B.A., M.A., PGDip, founded Oak Innovation in 1995. Catherine received her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s from University College Cork. She holds qualifications in Professional Development And Training from University College Galway. She is completing a second Master’s from University College Cork. Since 1995, clients include Apple, Time Warner, and Harvard University.
