For More Informationupdated March 2005
There are many sites on the Web devoted to Oware and related games.
This section also lists a few sources for game boards suitable for
playing Oware. Finally, there are some links to computer versions of
the game for Microsoft Windows, for Macintosh and for Palm organizers.
This is the official site of the UK branch of the Oware Society. It includes a calendar of events in the UK and a calendar of international tournaments in Africa, Europe and the Caribbean. The site also includes a page of boards for sale and the World Oware Federation's ranking of Oware players.
This site in Barcelona, Spain has a photo gallery of fine boards as well as photos of players at tournaments and festivals.
The University of Waterloo's overview of mancala-type games. Pictures of museum boards and players.
An overview of mancala-type games by James Masters, with photos of his collection including a wonderful Oware grandmaster's board.
David Chamberlin's book on the play and strategy of the game as played in Antigua and elsewhere in the Caribbean.
A history of Warri in Barbados.
If there is an African imports shop in your community, go there and ask if they have a game board!
The Oware Society UK sells boards. Alternatively, you can search out boards over the Internet. Check the auction site eBay. You may have to search on a variety of names -- mancala, mankala, oware, warri, and so forth. There are many web-based firms that can sell you a board. I list a few here. I'm not connected with these firms and receive no money for mentioning them...
An inexpensive board from the West Indies for children and beginners.
This site lets you order elegant carved Oware boards direct from craftsmen in Ghana.
David Levy of California makes a beautiful laminated hardwood board.
A shareware game for Windows and the Macintosh that supports play over the Internet.
A freeware DOS game. The author has also written a book that reprints many of the early historical and anthropological literature on mancala-type games. Both book and game diskette are free for the cost of shipping. The game can also be downloaded.
For organizers running the Palm OS. Nice graphics.
Another program for organizers running the Palm OS. Very compact.
