Fanorona
Free online strategy board game · Play the computer · No sign-up
Fanorona in a nutshell
Fanorona is a two-player strategy game from Madagascar, played on a grid of lines with 22 pieces each. You capture by moving towards an enemy line of pieces (approach) or away from one (withdrawal), and you can chain several captures in one turn. Capture all of your opponent's pieces to win.
- Fill the board. All points are filled except the centre. Each player's pieces fill the two rows nearest them, and the middle row alternates.
- Move along a line. On your turn, move one piece along a line to the next empty point.
- Capture by approach. If you move next to an enemy piece in the direction you moved, capture it and every enemy piece directly behind it in that line.
- Capture by withdrawal. If you move directly away from an enemy piece, capture it and every enemy piece in an unbroken line behind it.
At a glance
- Players
- 2 players 22 pieces each
- Length
- 10 to 20 minutes per game
- Equipment
- 5 by 9 grid 45 points
- Learn it in
- 10 minutes the captures take practice
Fanorona questions
What is capture by approach in Fanorona?
You move a piece so that it lands right next to an enemy piece, in the same direction you moved. That enemy piece is captured, along with any enemy pieces in an unbroken line behind it.
What is capture by withdrawal?
You move a piece directly away from an enemy piece that was next to it. That enemy piece is captured, along with any unbroken line of enemy pieces behind it.
What if a move could capture by approach and withdrawal at once?
You must choose one of the two captures. You cannot take both with the same move.
Is there a special rule for the first move?
Yes. In the common rules, the first player's opening turn may make only one capture, with no chain. Some players do not use this rule, so agree it first.
Can a game of Fanorona end in a draw?
Yes. If both sides are left with only a few pieces and neither can force a capture, players usually agree a draw. A common rule makes it automatic: a draw if nobody captures for 25 turns each, or if the same position comes round three times.
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