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Fanorona
Fanorona is the national board game of Madagascar, developed there from the older game Alquerque around the 17th century. Two players move stones along a lined board and capture by moving toward or away from enemy lines. Its distinctive approach-and-withdrawal capturing and mandatory chained captures give it surprising tactical depth.
Fanorona Rules
The standard board, Fanoron-Tsivy, is a 5×9 grid of intersections connected by lines, some diagonal. Each player starts with 22 stones filling their two-and-a-half rows, with one empty point in the center. Stones move one step along any drawn line to an adjacent empty point.
Captures work two ways. In an approach capture, you move a stone toward an adjacent enemy line and remove the whole connected line of enemy stones beyond it. In a withdrawal capture, you move a stone away from an adjacent enemy line and remove that line. If a move could capture, you are required to capture.
After a capturing move you may continue with the same stone, chaining further captures in new directions, as long as each step changes direction and doesn't revisit a point. A turn that can capture must do so and must take the maximum available. You win by capturing all of your opponent's stones.
Fanorona Strategy & Tips
Plan capture chains
A single stone can sweep up many enemy pieces by changing direction across one turn. Look several steps ahead to set up a sequence that clears a whole section of the board.
Use both approach and withdrawal
One move can threaten captures in two directions at once. Position stones so that whichever way you move, you take enemy lines — your opponent can't block both.
Mind the mandatory capture
Because capturing is forced and must be maximal, you can lure your opponent into a move that wins you material. Always check what your move obligates them to do next.
Control the strong points
Intersections with diagonal lines connect to more neighbors and offer more capture angles. Hold these key points to maximize your threats and mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Fanorona come from?
Fanorona is the traditional national game of Madagascar, where it developed from the Middle Eastern game Alquerque, likely around the 1600s. It carries cultural and historical significance on the island.
How do you capture in Fanorona?
By approach or withdrawal. Move a stone toward an enemy line to capture it (approach), or move a stone directly away from an adjacent enemy line to capture that line (withdrawal). All connected enemy stones in line are removed.
Are captures required in Fanorona?
Yes. If a capturing move is available you must make it, and you must take the maximum number of stones possible. You may also chain additional captures with the same stone in one turn.
How many pieces are in Fanorona?
On the standard 5×9 Fanoron-Tsivy board, each player starts with 22 stones, with a single empty intersection in the center of the board at the start.