Fanorona

Capture not one piece but a whole line — step toward an enemy run or away from it, then chain your sweeps across the board.

How to play

Fanorona is played on a board of five rows and nine columns of points joined by lines. Slide a stone one step along a line into an empty point to capture. By approach, you land next to an enemy line and sweep the whole straight run ahead; by withdrawal, you step directly away from an adjacent enemy line and take the run behind. Capturing is compulsory, and a capture may continue as a chain with the same stone as long as each step changes direction and visits fresh points.

• Approach capture: move toward an enemy line and remove every piece in that straight run.
• Withdrawal capture: move away from an adjacent enemy line and remove the run behind you.
• Captures are forced; chain with the same stone, changing direction each step.
• Use 'Stop chain' to end a multi-capture early when you are allowed to.

Game modes

• vs Computer: White or Black against Easy, Medium, or Hard.
• Hot-seat: two players alternate on one device.
• Online: create an invite, join by code, or quick-match a live opponent.

Controls

• Desktop: click a stone, then click a highlighted target; pick approach or withdrawal by the lit destination.
• Phone & tablet: tap a stone then its destination; use the on-screen Stop chain button to end a chain.

Tips & strategy

• Look for a single landing point that offers both an approach and a withdrawal — take the bigger sweep.
• The strong points (where the diagonals cross) give the most directions; fight to occupy them.
• Plan chains backward from where you want to finish, since each turn must keep changing direction.

Origins

Fanorona is the national board game of Madagascar, a capture game grown from the older alquerque family and recorded there since at least the 17th century. It is woven into Malagasy history and legend — by one famous story a king lost his capital because he would not break off a game of fanorona to defend it.

About Fanorona

Fanorona is the national board game of Madagascar, prized for its dramatic line-sweeping captures. This is an original, free browser build with side choice, three computer difficulties, hot-seat, and live online matches — no install or sign-up.

A free, original browser game on PlayPendium — no download, no install. Browse all games →