Mandala (1983)
Mandala (1983) Rulebook
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
The Game Comprises
- 1 Board with 10 movable rings
- 5 Dice
- 4 Sets of coloured pegs (each set consisting of 6 pegs of the same colour, plus 1 white scoring peg)
The Aim of the Game
To score a total of 6 points by:
a) Moving your pegs into any of the four entrances to Central Control (1 point for each peg), and/or
b) Sniping (taking) your opponent's pieces (1 point for each peg sniped).
To Play With Three or Four Players
- One white radial line on each ring is marked by a small dash. Turn each ring to line up these dashes with the White Star on the outer area.
- Each player selects a Home Base and places 6 matching coloured pegs behind the scoring boxes (segmented 1-6). One playing peg is then positioned on the black segment of the outer ring in front of the selected Home Base.
- Each player throws 1 die. Highest roll begins play.
- The first player then throws all 5 dice and must move the rings accordingly.
For example: If any player rolled the following:
Number Rolled
| Die | Number | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Red Die | 1 | Player moves one of the two Red rings, one segment in either direction. |
| Blue Die | 2 | Player moves one of the two Blue rings, two segments in either direction. |
| Green Die | 1 | Player moves one of the two Green rings, one segment in either direction. |
| Yellow Die | 3 | Player moves one of the two Yellow rings, three segments in either direction. |
| Brown Die | 0 | No move allowed on either Brown ring. |
NOTE: Only one ring of any colour may be moved during each turn.
The Object
To create a pathway of Black segments in a straight line, leading to Central Control. Coloured segments act as barriers.
When all moves of the rings have been made, the player advances his first piece as far forward as possible toward Central Control. Pieces on the same path, may follow one another into Central Control.
The piece closest to Central Control is moved first. All pieces reaching Central Control are returned to Home Base(s) for re-introduction. One new piece is then introduced onto the outer ring, if an empty Black segment allows. Snipe if occupied, and remain on the outer ring. Pass the dice to the next player and continue as above.
As the game continues, each player, at the end of his turn, must advance all of his pieces in play, as far as possible, toward Central Control. Segments may only be occupied by one peg. Introduce new pieces from Home Base onto outer ring, if segment in front of Home Base is Black.
Sniping
In order to Snipe your opponent, align your peg behind one or more of your opponents' pegs. Then advance your peg as far towards Central Control as possible. (Remember, colour segments act as barriers.) Each of your opponents' pegs which you pass or reach, is Sniped and returned to their respective Home Base(s) for re-introduction.
NOTE: You can only advance your pegs after moving all rings.
Scoring
Once a player reaches Central Control or Snipes an opponent, the white peg is used to indicate the player's cumulative score.
To Play With Two Players
Each player selects two diagonally opposite corners and one set of pieces; three of which are initially positioned at each Home Base. Normal rules apply except each player places one piece on the outer ring in front of both of his Home Bases. At the end of turn, a piece is introduced from each Home Base (where possible). On reaching Central Control, pieces may be returned to either Home Base. When Sniped, the attacking player chooses to which Home Base to return his opponent's piece.
NOTE: A less complicated game for two: players choose one corner each, next to each other. Normal rules apply.
Solo Mandala
Aim: To get six pieces to Central Control in the least number of turns; using six pieces on two diagonally opposite Home Bases (three on each). Normal rules apply, except after rotating the rings, ALL pieces move forward, if possible.
A piece reaching Central Control is removed from the game. Sniping is not allowed. When there are no pieces left to introduce, a ring may not be rotated if all pieces have passed it.
NOTE: Be gentle when moving rings.