Sowing
Take all stones from one of your pits and sow them one by one counterclockwise.
Oware · African no-store mancala
Play Oware (Awale) online no download
Oware, also known as Awale or Ayo, is a West African no-store mancala game where timing matters more than speed. Captures happen when the last sowing makes exactly 2 or 3 stones on the opponent's side. Play Oware online in Toguz Arena, train chain captures, and keep the captured-stone score clear.
6×2 board
4 stones per pit
Capture rows ending on two or three stones without starving the opponent.
Two-three capture2D / 3D★★★★★
Settings saved in your profile
Computer practice, 2D/3D boards, and profile save
Oware articles
About the game
What is Oware?
Oware is known across West Africa and the Caribbean under names such as Awale, Ayo, Wari, and Ouri. It is often associated with Ghana and Akan/Ashanti culture.
The board has two rows of 6 pits and no stores on the board. Captured stones are counted separately. The starting position has 4 stones in each pit, 48 stones total.
Oware's signature is the 2/3 capture rule plus the duty not to starve the opponent. You are not only trying to take stones; you must also leave the opponent able to move.
Key rules
Oware rules in 60 seconds
2/3 capture
If the last stone makes exactly 2 or 3 stones in an opponent pit, capture them.
Chain capture
Captures can continue backward through previous opponent pits that also hold 2 or 3 stones.
Starvation rule
You cannot leave the opponent without stones if a legal move can feed their side.
Win
The first player to reach 25 of 48 stones wins; 24-24 is a draw.
What opens after sign-up
A table tuned for Oware
Your first session opens Oware directly, without manual setup.
Profile preference
After login, Oware stays saved as your selected game so you can return in one click.
Practice chain captures
Train against the computer and spot where a move creates 2 or 3 stones on the opponent's side.
2D and 3D boards
Switch board view during a game without losing the position.
Oware, Awale, and Ayo
The page covers common names so players can find the right mancala variant faster.
Start path
Start playing Oware in two steps
Create an account or log in
Oware is saved in your profile and board settings stay ready.
Board view: 2D / 3D
Count 2 and 3
Start against the computer and learn to capture without leaving the opponent unable to move.
Oware default
Start an Oware game now
Create an account and Toguz Arena opens African mancala with your selected settings.
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FAQ
Questions before you start
Are Oware and Awale the same game?
Yes, they are closely related regional names for the same mancala family. You may also see Ayo, Wari, and other names.
What is the starvation rule in Oware?
A player must leave the opponent able to move. If the opponent's side is empty, you should feed it when a legal feeding move exists.
Why does Oware have no stores?
Captured stones are kept separately as score, while the playing board remains a clean 6×2 grid without large stores at the ends.
Can I play without downloading anything?
Yes. Oware opens in the browser; an account saves the selected game and settings.