How do you beat the computer at mancala on cool math games?

Answer 1

The Mancala game has a computer player that is easily mastered when you make the first correct moves. Your ultimate aim is to keep gems on your side, while adding some to your scoring goal. Consider the cups numbered from 1 to 6, with 6 at the right closest to your goal. There are 4 gems in each bowl.

* To thrash the computer:

Turn 1 - 6

Turn 2 - 3 / 6 / 5 (you get to play again twice)

Turn 3 - 6 / 4

Turn 4 - 6 / 5

Turn 5 - 6 / 2

Turn 6 - 5 / 6 / 4

Turn 7 - 5 / 1 / 3 / 4 / 2 (computer has to dump to your side, you win)

Turn 8 - 1

Turn 9 - 1 (computer may play a move that forces a different move)

Turn 10 - 2

* This is also a high-scoring but longer game:

Click on the cups (from left to right) in the following order, if the farthest left is 1 and the farthest right is 6:

Turn 1--Click cup 3

Turn 2--Click cup 6

Turn 3--Click cup 5

Turn 4--Click 6

Turn 5--Click 2

Turn 6--This may be one of the most important of the game--Click 2

Turn 7--Click 6

Turn 8--Click 5

Turn 9--Click 6

Turn 10--Click 3

Turn 11--Click 6

Turn 12--Click 2

Turn 13--Click 5

Turn 14--Click 6

Turn 15--Click 1

Turn 16--Click 6

Turn 17--Click 3

Turn 18--Click 4

Turn 19--Click 6

Turn 20--Click 5

Turn 21--Click 6

Turn 22--Click 1

Turn 23--Click 2

Turn 24--Click 6

Turn 25--Click 4

Turn 26--Click 5

Turn 27--Click 6

Turn 28--Click 1