How to play Vamana Guntalu

Introduction

Vamana Guntalu is a traditional board game popular in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, played using strategy, counting, and skill. It features a board with 2 rows of 5 pits each (10 pits total) and 50 seeds/pellets as counters. The game is typically played between two players.

Game Setup

  1. Board Layout:
    • The board has 2 rows with 5 pits in each row (10 pits total).
    • Each player controls one row of 5 pits.
  2. Seeds/Pellets:
    • The game uses 50 seeds (e.g., tamarind seeds, pebbles, or shells).
    • Place 10 seeds in each pit as the starting setup.
  3. Using Roll the Dice Channe Mane:
    • If you are playing with the Roll the Dice Channe Mane, place a coloured stone (provided with the set) into 4 of the pits to convert the board into a 5x2 pits Vamana Guntalu setup.

How to Play

1. Starting the Game

  • Player 1 picks up all the seeds from any one of their pits and distributes 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 turn ends when the final 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 set aside as the player’s winnings.

4. Passing the Turn

  • If no seeds are captured, the turn passes to the opponent, who repeats the same process.

5. Winning the Game

  • The game ends when one player’s row becomes completely empty.
  • The other player collects any remaining seeds from their row.
  • The player with the most captured seeds at the end wins the game.

Game Variations

  • Some variations start with fewer seeds per pit (e.g., 8 seeds per pit).
  • Multiple rounds can be played, and captured seeds are redistributed for extended gameplay.

Using Roll the Dice Channe Mane for Vamana Guntalu

If you are playing Vamana Guntalu with the Roll the Dice Channe Mane board, place a coloured stone provided with the set in 4 pits. This easily converts the board into the 5x2 pits setup required for Vamana Guntalu.

Benefits of Playing Vamana Guntalu

  • Enhances counting skills, strategic thinking, and fine motor coordination.
  • Promotes family bonding while preserving the rich cultural heritage of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.