Choose your rules
Variants directory
A modular registry of Tsoro and its sister games. Each variant runs on its own independent rules engine. Only Playable variants are guaranteed to follow the listed rules end-to-end.
Zimbabwe
Standard Tsoro
Capture every opposing counter on a 4×8 board with relay sowing and column-paired captures.
Board 4×8 · 32 counters
Additional-Capture Tsoro
Standard Tsoro plus 1–3 additional opponent pits removed after each capture.
Board 4×8 · 32 counters
Re-entered-Capture Tsoro
Captured counters are immediately re-sown on your own side, potentially causing chains.
Board 4×8 · 32 counters
Misoro Tsoro
Two designated outer pits per side can stop a relay, allowing tactical stockpiles.
Board 4×8 · 32 counters
Misoro with Additional Captures
Combines Misoro pits with the agreed extra-pit captures rule.
Board 4×8 · 32 counters
Mozambique
Ntxuva (M’pale)
All pits start with 2 seeds. Capture the opposing column plus any 2 chosen enemy pits.
Board 4×8 · 64 counters
Zambia & Malawi
Nsolo / Nchombwa
Rightmost inner pit starts empty. After a capture, remove an equal number more from anywhere on the opponent's side.
Board 4×8 · 60 counters
Chisolo (Natatu)
4×7 board with a special opening arrangement. Player 1 sows clockwise; Player 2 chooses their direction on first move (locked). Capture takes opposite inner + paired outer + 1 free pit.
Board 4×7 · 66 counters
South Africa
Moruba
4×12 board with 4 counters per pit. Player with the most captures wins.
Board 4×12 · 192 counters
Uganda
Omweso (Mweso)
Players arrange their own opening. Captured counters re-enter play.
Board 4×8 · 64 counters
Ghana
Oware Abapa
Classic 2×6 mancala. Capture when sowing leaves 2 or 3 in an opponent's pit. 25 wins.
Board 2×6 · 48 counters
Nigeria
Ayò Ọlọ́pọ́n
2×6 board with relay sowing. Capture when the final seed lands in an empty pit on your own row and the opposite pit is occupied.
Board 2×6 · 48 counters
Kenya
Mbothe (Pokomo)
2×10 board. Two-counter protection — opponent pits of exactly 2 are skipped during sowing. Exact-2 opposite capture; capturer plays again.
Board 2×10 · 40 counters
Bao
Bao
Advanced 4×8 game with reserves, a house pit, compulsory captures and a two-phase structure.
Board 4×8 · 64 counters