How to play Pallanguzhi

Introduction

Pallanguzhi is a traditional South Indian board game played primarily in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It is a game of strategy, skill, and counting, enjoyed by children and adults alike. This version of the game uses 6 pits on each side (12 in total) and 72 seeds/pellets as counters. The game is usually played between two players.

Game Setup

  1. Board Layout:
    • The Pallanguzhi board has 2 rows with 6 pits in each row.
    • Each player controls one row of 6 pits.
  2. Seeds/Pellets:
    • The game uses 72 seeds (e.g., tamarind seeds, cowrie shells, or small pebbles).
    • Place 12 seeds in each pit as the starting setup.
  3. Using Roll the Dice Channe Mane:
    • To play with the Roll the Dice Channe Mane, place a coloured stone (provided with the set) in the last 2 pits to transform the board into the 6 pits x2 rows Pallanguzhi setup.

How to Play

1. Starting the Game

  • Player 1 picks up all the seeds from any one of their pits and begins distributing them counterclockwise into subsequent pits, dropping one seed per pit.

2. Continuation of Play

  • The player continues distributing seeds until the seeds in hand run out.
  • If the final seed lands in a pit that already contains seeds, the player picks up all the seeds in that pit and continues distributing them counterclockwise.
  • The player’s turn ends when the last seed lands in an empty pit.

3. Capturing Seeds

  • If the last seed lands in an empty pit on the player’s side and the opposite pit (in the opponent’s row) contains seeds, the player captures all the seeds in the opposite pit.
  • The captured seeds are kept aside.

4. Passing the Turn

  • If the last seed lands in an empty pit and there are no seeds to capture, the turn passes to the opponent.
  • The opponent then repeats the same process.

5. Winning the Game

  • The game continues until one player’s row of pits becomes completely empty.
  • At this point, the other player collects all remaining seeds from their pits.
  • The player with the highest number of captured seeds wins the game.

Game Variations

  • In some regions, players start with fewer seeds (e.g., 5 seeds per pit).
  • To extend the game, multiple rounds can be played, and captured seeds are redistributed into the pits.

Using Roll the Dice Channe Mane for Pallanguzhi

If you are playing Pallanguzhi using the Roll the Dice Channe Mane, simply place a coloured stone provided with the set into 2 of the pits. This converts the board into a 6x2 pits Pallanguzhi setup, making it easy to enjoy this Tamil variant seamlessly.

Benefits of Playing Pallanguzhi

  • Develops strategic thinking, counting skills, and fine motor skills.
  • Promotes family bonding and preserves cultural heritage.