Fanorona: The Royal Game of Madagascar
Experience a Unique Strategy Game
Forget jumping over pieces—in Fanorona, you capture by approaching or moving away. A completely unique tactical challenge unlike any other board game.
What is Fanorona?
Fanorona is a traditional abstract strategy board game that originated in Madagascar around the 17th century. Unlike chess, checkers, or other familiar games, Fanorona features a completely unique capture system that sets it apart from every other board game in the world.
The game holds deep cultural significance in Malagasy history. Legend has it that Fanorona was used by royalty for divination—predicting the outcomes of battles and important state decisions based on the game's results. King Ralambo and other rulers were said to consult Fanorona boards before making crucial choices.
The Fanorona Board
Fanorona is played on a 9×5 grid with 45 intersection points. Each player starts with 22 pieces, arranged on their respective halves of the board. Some intersections are connected diagonally, creating weak and strong points—a strategic element unique to this game.
How Capturing Works
This is where Fanorona truly shines. Unlike checkers where you jump over pieces, Fanorona has two capture methods:
Capture by Approach
Move your piece toward an enemy piece so that it becomes adjacent. All enemy pieces in an unbroken line in that direction are captured and removed from the board.
Capture by Withdrawal
Move your piece away from an adjacent enemy piece. All enemy pieces in an unbroken line in the opposite direction of your movement are captured.
Basic Rules
- White moves first in traditional Fanorona.
- Must capture if possible - If a capture is available, you must make it.
- Chain captures - After capturing, the same piece may continue capturing in the same turn (but cannot revisit the same intersection).
- Choose your capture type - When a move allows both approach and withdrawal capture, choose one.
- Win by elimination - Capture all opponent pieces or leave them without legal moves.
Fanorona Strategy Tips
1. Think in Lines
Since captures affect entire lines of pieces, always consider how your pieces are arranged. Avoid creating long lines that can be wiped out in a single enemy move.
2. Set Up Chain Captures
The most powerful moves in Fanorona are chain captures—continuing to capture multiple times in one turn. Position your pieces to enable these devastating sequences.
3. Control the Center
Central pieces have more movement options and can threaten more lines. Try to maintain presence in the center while pushing your opponent to the edges.
4. Use the Diagonal Lines
The diagonal connections on the board create additional tactical possibilities. Pieces on strong points (with diagonal connections) are more flexible.
Cultural Heritage
Fanorona is more than a game—it's a window into Malagasy culture. The game appears in the popular video game Assassin's Creed III, where players can learn and play it as a side activity, introducing millions of gamers worldwide to this historic treasure.
UNESCO and cultural organizations continue to recognize Fanorona as an important piece of intangible cultural heritage from Madagascar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fanorona?
Fanorona is a traditional strategy board game from Madagascar featuring unique capture mechanics. Instead of jumping over pieces like checkers, you capture by moving toward (approach) or away from (withdrawal) enemy pieces, removing entire lines at once.
How do you capture pieces in Fanorona?
There are two capture methods: Approach - move to become adjacent to enemies in a line, capturing them all. Withdrawal - move away from adjacent enemies, capturing the entire line in the opposite direction of your movement.
Where did Fanorona originate?
Fanorona originated in Madagascar around the 17th century. It holds deep cultural significance in Malagasy history and was even used by royalty for divination purposes to predict important outcomes.
Can I play Fanorona online?
Yes! You can play Fanorona online for free at Fanorona.com. Play against the computer AI or challenge friends to experience this unique historic game.
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Experience This Unique Game
Discover why Fanorona has fascinated players for centuries. Learn by playing!
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