Choose a pit, distribute the stones, and plan wisely!
Kalaha (also known as Mancala) is a classic strategy game for two players. The rules are easy to learn, but there is a lot to consider. Who will collect the most gemstones in their Kalaha, the large pit on the right side?
Each turn, the player takes the gemstones from one pit and drops them one by one into the following pits. It’s a great finger exercise for fine motor skills, and the different shapes of the stones make picking them up extra interesting. Through many repetitions, fine motor movements become increasingly smoother and more automatic.

What is stimulated?
- Tactical thinking: which pit should I choose?
- Counting and estimating: how far will I get with these stones?
- Thinking ahead: what is my opponent going to do?
- Concentration, impulse control, and perseverance
- Hand-eye coordination and pincer grasp

A game lasts 10 to 20 minutes, so it fits perfectly in between other activities or as a series of games played in succession. You can adjust the level and duration of play by changing the number of starting stones: fewer stones make for a faster and clearer game, while more stones require more calculation. There are plenty of stones included. Useful at home, in the classroom, or during a therapy session.

Kalaha lets children and adults play together, count, and devise tactics, with a satisfying tactile experience as a bonus.