Bao
- Players: 2 players
- Play time: 40 min
- BGG rating: 6.7
About Bao
Bao is an abstract strategy game from East Africa, especially Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania. It is generally reckoned to be the most complicated of the Mancala family games that are played in many parts of Africa. On a Bao board each player has two rows of 8 holes, into which counters (seeds) are placed. Moves are made by taking more than one seed and 'sowing' them along the row of holes. Depending on where the last seed is placed, you can take the seeds from that hole and continue the sowing, possibly capturing seeds from your opponent in the process. The aim of the game is to empty your opponent's front row of seeds or make it impossible for them to move.
- Best with
- 2 players (BGG community)
Rules and prices
Eko hasn't read this one yet
We don't have the Bao rulebook. Upload it in the Archive and Eko will answer rules questions from it, with the page each answer came from.
Upload the rulebookBao FAQ
How many players can play Bao?
Bao plays with 2 players.
What is the best player count for Bao?
BoardGameGeek community voters say Bao is best with 2 players (5 votes).
How long does Bao take to play?
A game of Bao takes 40 min.
Playing Bao? Track it in Meepzy
Track your plays and scores, see your stats and ask Eko rules questions at the table. Free on iOS and Android.