Tobar Classic Mancala Game Set with Folding Board

I first saw this game in a museum and initially thought it looked complicated, but after reading through the instructions with my 12 year old daughter it was easier to work out the rules than that of our initial fears. My youngest daughter of 8 also easily picked up the game rules after watching it being played 5 or 6 times and began trying to interfere with the game play in taking other peoples goes.History of the the game.Mancala is a family of games and is one of the oldest forms of the traditional board game in the world and dates back to being played in the 17th century in England, but goes much further back than that and archaeologists have found evidence of the game in Africa (where it originated), dating to the 6th or 7th century, AD. There are various forms of this game with slightly different rules, we have so far only played the version with which the rules come with this game, but you can google other versions including Wari, Oware, Kalah etc for games with different/harder game play to master. The original game would have been played using seeds, stones or other naturally found items as the counters and either used with a basic carved wooden board or even marked out in the sand. The game can also be easily made from a 12 carton egg box and some stones from the garden or other such counters laying around the house and it doesn't matter if they are all different.General game play.The basic idea of the game is to "count and capture" the majority of the 48 glass beads/marbles to win the game (game comes with extras glass counters/beads). This is a fun game of strategy that also helps with counting and number bonging and easily becomes addictive and is easy to just say "lets have just one more game"! We now play the game on a winner stays on basis so everyone gets their fair share of goes.There are various other game play rules using the same game board and principles, so you can alter the skill/difficulty level of the game, just search for other games which fall under the mancala "umbrella" like wari, oware, kalua etc.The actual productThe game comes in a different box to the one shown, please see my photos of the actual product. I actually prefer the basic looking packaging as it makes the game look older like its origins.The board itself is made from solid wood and folds in half by means of a full length brass hinge and has magnets (although not very strong) to keep the board closed when not in use. The whole board seems well made and robust, it is a good size both when in use and packed away.The counters are glass nuggets and measure approximately 18mm in diameter and come in a variety of colours.Contents1x game board60x Glass nugget counters (may differ, but will be at least 48 as required)Instructions (on reverse of box)

The game came with wooden beads rather than glass as pictured which are far too big to play the game properly. We switched these out with pebbles from the beach, otherwise good quality product.

This game is great. Simple concept that can be spiced up if you get bored once you’re good at it. The problem is that the wooden beads are too big for the scoops and start falling out which is annoying. Hence the lie stars for presentation.

The beads were wooden rather than glass and the boar isn't smooth on the inside. Beads too big to play with really but good for basic game.

Bought through recommendation and really pleased I did. Excellent game, granchildren love it too. My problem is I don't wantvto put it away. Boxed really well and made well, the only thing I would say is that the glass stones could be a tiny bit smaller but that is all. Would definitely reccomed.8

No more than 5 or 6 pebbles can fit in each hole, meaning it quickly overflows. Will have to make our own counters.

A good game in well made wooden container.The wooden counters are attractively coloured but could do with being slightly smaller as they quickly overflow the bowls.We enjoyed playing this game.

This is a great game but the glass beads are too big for the size of spaces. Note to seller, make glass beads smaller!!