24pits

24pits is a two-player abstract strategy game in the mancala family. The board consists of two rows of twelve pits with a store at each end. The objective is to accumulate more stones in your store than your opponent.

Setup and rules: At the start, each pit contains four stones, and both stores are empty. Players control the twelve pits on their side. On a turn, a player selects a pit with stones and sows them one by one in a counterclockwise direction, placing stones in subsequent pits and in the player's own store but not in the opponent's store. If the last stone lands in the player's store, the player earns an extra turn. If it lands in an empty pit on the player's side and the opposite pit on the opponent's side contains stones, those stones are captured and moved to the player’s store.

End of game and scoring: The game ends when one side's pits become all empty. Any remaining stones on the opposite side are moved to that side's store. The winner is the player with more stones in their store; ties are possible.

Variants and digital versions: There are several rule variants circulated in online communities, including tweaks to capture rules or turn order. A digital edition exists for web and mobile platforms, offering AI opponents and local or online multiplayer, as well as optional variants and tutorials for new players.

Origin and reception: 24pits draws on traditional mancala mechanics and is named for the total number of pits on the board. It is noted in hobbyist circles for its straightforward setup and potential for deep strategic play, while some players point to long play sessions and occasional stalemates as drawbacks. See also mancala, kalaha, oware.