The following is a description of the rules for the game of KALAH.
These instructions are displayed interactively if desired when the
game starts. The following text as well as the board is displayed
simultaniously in order to make these instructions clearer.
The game of KALAH is a game of logic using pegs as the means to battle
wits between you and the computer. Kalah is a game originally of
African origin and sometimes goes by the name MANKALAH.
The game is played on a board with six bins for each player, and a
Kalah (a larger bin) to hold your winning pegs. In each turn a player
moves by removing all of the pegs from one bin, which are then
redistributed counter clockwise around the board, one per bin.
Depending on which bin was selected, a user can increase his score,
capture some of his opponent's pegs, or get a free move.
The game ends when one player runs out of pegs, and cannot make a
move. The object is to finish the game with more pegs in your own
Kalah than your opponent has in his.
To make a move, select a bin numbered 1-6. There must be at least one
peg in that bin. The computer will automatically remove the pegs from
the selected bin, and distribute them for you, placing one in each bin
counter clockwise around the board, though never in your opponent's
Kalah. Each time pegs land in your Kalah, your score is increased.
A "Free move" is granted whenever the last peg being distributed lands
in your Kalah. There is no limit to the number of free moves a player
can make.
A "Capture" takes place when the last peg lands in one of your own
empty bins, and there are pegs in the corresponding bin on your
opponent's side. The pegs in your opponent's bin are considered
captured, and, along with the peg used for the capture, are moved into
your Kalah.
The game ends when one player runs out of pegs, and cannot make a
move. The player who has pegs remaining, gets those pegs moved into
his Kalah.
Be careful! The winner is the player with the most pegs in their
Kalah, not necessarily the one who finishes first.
Helpful strategies:
o Your best offense is a good defense!
o Try to limit the number of free moves your opponent takes. You
can block him by moving alot of pegs.
o Make sure you are free of any captures.
o Keep your eyes out for free moves.
o Check to see if you can make a capture. Remember, a capture
ends your turn so look for free moves first!
