{"title":"Morabaraba","description":"\u003cp\u003eRooted in African tradition, Morabaraba is a captivating two-player strategy game that challenges the mind and celebrates cultural heritage. This collection features a range of beautifully crafted Morabaraba sets designed for both casual play, education, and display.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"morabaraba-lion-zebra","title":"Morabaraba | Lion \u0026 Zebra","description":"\u003cp\u003eMorabaraba is a brilliant yet simple strategy game suitable for all ages. Morabaraba, also known as “Umlabalaba” in Africa, is similar to “Twelve Men’s Morris” which, in turn ,is a variation of the Roman board game “nine men’s Morris”. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe board features a frame decorated with  intricately designed African scenes and wildlife. Each pieces is sculpted by hand, crafted from polystone and delicately hand-painted.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"3\" class=\"co8aDb\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHow to play the game:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"RqBzHd\"\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"i8Z77e\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"TrT0Xe\"\u003eEach player has nine pieces, known as 'cows'; in two different colours or designs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"TrT0Xe\"\u003eEach player in turn places a cow on an empty circle on the board.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"TrT0Xe\"\u003eThe aim is to create a ‘mill’: a row of three cows on any line drawn on the\u003cbr\u003eboard.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"TrT0Xe\"\u003eIf a player forms a mill, he or she may remove one of the opponent’s cows. The cow is removed from the board and not placed again. A cow in a mill may not be taken unless all of the opponent’s cows are in mills, in which case any cow may be taken. Even if a move creates more than one mill, only one cow can be taken in a\u003cbr\u003esingle move.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"TrT0Xe\"\u003eAfter all the cows have been placed, each turn consists of moving a cow\u003cbr\u003eto an empty adjacent circle.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"TrT0Xe\"\u003eAs before, completing a mill allows a player to take one of the\u003cbr\u003eopponent’s cows. Again, this must be a cow which is not in a mill, unless\u003cbr\u003eall of the opponent’s cows are in mills.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"TrT0Xe\"\u003ePlayers are allowed to break their own mills.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"TrT0Xe\"\u003eWhen a player has only three cows remaining, desperate measures are\u003cbr\u003ecalled for. This player’s cows are allowed to ‘fly’ to any empty circle, not\u003cbr\u003ejust adjacent ones. If one player has three cows and the other player has more than three cows, only the player with three cows is allowed to fly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"TrT0Xe\"\u003eYou win if your opponent cannot move or when your opponent has just two cows.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"TrT0Xe\"\u003eIf either player has only three cows and neither player takes a cow within ten moves, the game is drawn.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"TrT0Xe\"\u003eIf one person cheats, then the other one wins by default.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoard size: 25.5 x 25.5cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"House of Chess","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41564469723238,"sku":null,"price":2735.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1689\/2207\/files\/morabaraba_zebra_lion_front_628534ac-0578-45f3-be1c-c11adb33c4a7.jpg?v=1718284632"},{"product_id":"morabaraba-lion-zebra-copy","title":"Morabaraba | Tribal","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"137\" data-end=\"502\"\u003eDesigned and crafted by talented South African artisans, this Morabaraba set blends traditional gameplay with exceptional craftsmanship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"137\" data-end=\"502\"\u003eThe board features a hand-designed polystone frame depicting intricate African scenes and wildlife, while the playing pieces - representing tribal figures - are hand-cast from polystone and painted using Windsor \u0026amp; Newton oil paints.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"504\" data-end=\"772\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"504\" data-end=\"588\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"506\" data-end=\"588\"\u003eInspired by “Umlabalaba,” a traditional African variant of “Twelve Men’s Morris”.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"589\" data-end=\"661\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"591\" data-end=\"661\"\u003eHand-sculpted polystone pieces, intricately painted by local artists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"662\" data-end=\"744\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"664\" data-end=\"744\"\u003eDurable wooden board, hand-cut and encased in a custom-moulded polystone frame.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"745\" data-end=\"772\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"747\" data-end=\"772\"\u003eBoard size: 25cm diameter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to play Morabaraba\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eObjective: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe goal of Morabaraba is to \u003cstrong data-end=\"362\" data-start=\"319\"\u003ecapture your opponent's \"cows\" (pieces)\u003c\/strong\u003e by forming rows of three (called “mills”) and reducing your opponent to \u003cstrong data-end=\"447\" data-start=\"435\"\u003etwo cows\u003c\/strong\u003e or blocking all their moves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSetup:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe board consists of three concentric squares connected by lines, with 24 intersections (points).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"689\" data-start=\"603\"\u003eEach player has \u003cstrong data-end=\"630\" data-start=\"619\"\u003e12 cows\u003c\/strong\u003e (pieces), traditionally differentiated by colour or shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGame phases:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"745\" data-start=\"720\"\u003ePlacing Phase\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"1013\" data-start=\"746\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"812\" data-start=\"746\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"812\" data-start=\"748\"\u003ePlayers take turns placing one cow at a time on any empty point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"972\" data-start=\"813\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"972\" data-start=\"815\"\u003eForming a mill (a straight line of three cows) allows you to remove one of your opponent’s cows, as long as it’s not part of a mill (unless all are).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1013\" data-start=\"973\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1013\" data-start=\"975\"\u003eContinue until all 24 cows are placed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1039\" data-start=\"1015\"\u003eMoving Phase\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"1199\" data-start=\"1040\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1131\" data-start=\"1040\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1131\" data-start=\"1042\"\u003ePlayers now take turns moving one cow at a time to an adjacent point along the lines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1199\" data-start=\"1132\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1199\" data-start=\"1134\"\u003eForming a new mill allows another opponent cow to be removed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1262\" data-start=\"1201\"\u003eFlying Phase (when a player has only 3 cows left)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"1364\" data-start=\"1263\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1364\" data-start=\"1263\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1364\" data-start=\"1265\"\u003eA player with three cows may “fly”—moving a cow to any empty point, not just adjacent ones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1409\" data-start=\"1398\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYou Win By:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1456\" data-start=\"1412\"\u003eReducing your opponent to two cows, or blocking all their legal moves\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1493\" data-start=\"1459\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Rules:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1568\" data-start=\"1523\"\u003eOnly one cow can be placed or moved per turn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1650\" data-start=\"1571\"\u003eYou can’t remove a cow that’s part of a mill unless there are no other options.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1766\" data-start=\"1653\"\u003eA mill must be formed in one turn (you can't reuse the same three cows repeatedly without a new move in between).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- [if !supportLists]--\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"House of Chess","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41577095266406,"sku":null,"price":2735.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1689\/2207\/files\/morabaraba_tribal_front.jpg?v=1718283083"},{"product_id":"morabaraba-4mm-birch-ply-black-print","title":"Morabaraba | Birch Plywood | Black Print | 31 cm","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eChallenge your mind with Morabaraba, one of the world's oldest and most beloved board games.Dating back over 3,000 years, this timeless classic combines elegant simplicity with surprising strategic depth. Victory comes from clever planning and tactical thinking, not the roll of dice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"305\" data-start=\"195\"\u003eThe sleek black print on natural wood gives it a timeless, modern aesthetic - perfect for any game enthusiast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"464\" data-start=\"307\"\u003eDurable, lightweight, and eco-friendly, this board is a striking addition to any game collection or décor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHandcrafted from Birch plywood.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBoard Height: 3mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 31 x 31 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiameter of pieces: 2.5cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"RqBzHd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e* Morabaraba, also known as “Umlabalaba” in Africa, is similar to “Twelve Men’s Morris”, which, in turn, is a variation of the Roman board game “nine men’s Morris”. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"RqBzHd\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"co8aDb\" aria-level=\"3\" role=\"heading\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"co8aDb\" aria-level=\"3\" role=\"heading\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHow to play the game:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"RqBzHd\"\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"i8Z77e\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"TrT0Xe\"\u003eEach player has nine pieces, known as 'cows', in two different colours or designs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"TrT0Xe\"\u003eEach player in turn places a cow on an empty circle on the board.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"TrT0Xe\"\u003eThe aim is to create a ‘mill’: a row of three cows on any line drawn on the\u003cbr\u003eboard.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"TrT0Xe\"\u003eIf a player forms a mill, he or she may remove one of the opponent’s cows. The cow is removed from the board and not placed again. A cow in a mill may not be taken unless all of the opponent’s cows are in mills, in which case any cow may be taken. Even if a move creates more than one mill, only one cow can be taken in a\u003cbr\u003esingle move.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"TrT0Xe\"\u003eAfter all the cows have been placed, each turn consists of moving a cow\u003cbr\u003eto an empty adjacent circle.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"TrT0Xe\"\u003eAs before, completing a mill allows a player to take one of the\u003cbr\u003eopponent’s cows. Again, this must be a cow which is not in a mill, unless\u003cbr\u003eall of the opponent’s cows are in mills.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"TrT0Xe\"\u003ePlayers are allowed to break their own mills.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"TrT0Xe\"\u003eWhen a player has only three cows remaining, desperate measures are called for. This player’s cows are allowed to ‘fly’ to any empty circle, not just adjacent ones. If one player has three cows and the other player has more than three cows, only the player with three cows is allowed to fly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"TrT0Xe\"\u003eYou win if your opponent cannot move or when your opponent has just two cows.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"TrT0Xe\"\u003eIf either player has only three cows and neither player takes a cow within ten moves, the game is drawn.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"TrT0Xe\"\u003eIf one person cheats, then the other one wins by default.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"House of Chess","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42077693378662,"sku":null,"price":225.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1689\/2207\/files\/2_e09cafa7-1e79-478e-b4c5-aa0ef86ada1a.jpg?v=1726661533"},{"product_id":"morabaraba-birch-ply-wood-black-print-45cm","title":"Morabaraba | Birch Plywood | Black Print | 45cm","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eChallenge your mind with Morabaraba, one of the world's oldest and most beloved board games.Dating back over 3,000 years, this timeless classic combines elegant simplicity with surprising strategic depth. Victory comes from clever planning and tactical thinking, not the roll of dice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"305\" data-start=\"195\"\u003eThe sleek black print on natural wood gives it a timeless, modern aesthetic - perfect for any game enthusiast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"464\" data-start=\"307\"\u003eDurable, lightweight, and eco-friendly, this board is a striking addition to any game collection or décor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoard Specifications:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHandcrafted from Birch plywood.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBoard Height: 3mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 45 x 45cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiameter of pieces: 27mm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"RqBzHd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e* Morabaraba, also known as “Umlabalaba” in Africa, is similar to “Twelve Men’s Morris”, which, in turn, is a variation of the Roman board game “nine men’s Morris”. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"RqBzHd\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"RqBzHd\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"3\" class=\"co8aDb\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHow to play the game:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"RqBzHd\"\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"i8Z77e\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"TrT0Xe\"\u003eEach player has nine pieces, known as 'cows'; in two different colours or designs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"TrT0Xe\"\u003eEach player in turn places a cow on an empty circle on the board.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"TrT0Xe\"\u003eThe aim is to create a ‘mill’: a row of three cows on any line drawn on the\u003cbr\u003eboard.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"TrT0Xe\"\u003eIf a player forms a mill, he or she may remove one of the opponent’s cows. The cow is removed from the board and not placed again. A cow in a mill may not be taken unless all of the opponent’s cows are in mills, in which case any cow may be taken. Even if a move creates more than one mill, only one cow can be taken in a\u003cbr\u003esingle move.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"TrT0Xe\"\u003eAfter all the cows have been placed, each turn consists of moving a cow\u003cbr\u003eto an empty adjacent circle.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"TrT0Xe\"\u003eAs before, completing a mill allows a player to take one of the opponent’s cows. Again, this must be a cow which is not in a mill, unless all of the opponent’s cows are in mills.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"TrT0Xe\"\u003ePlayers are allowed to break their own mills.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"TrT0Xe\"\u003eWhen a player has only three cows remaining, desperate measures are called for. This player’s cows are allowed to ‘fly’ to any empty circle, not just adjacent ones. If one player has three cows and the other player has more than three cows, only the player with three cows is allowed to fly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"TrT0Xe\"\u003eYou win if your opponent cannot move or when your opponent has just two cows.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"TrT0Xe\"\u003eIf either player has only three cows and neither player takes a cow within ten moves, the game is drawn.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"TrT0Xe\"\u003eIf one person cheats, then the other one wins by default.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"House of Chess","offers":[{"title":"With Discs","offer_id":42806974742630,"sku":"","price":530.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true},{"title":"Board Only","offer_id":42806974775398,"sku":"","price":485.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1689\/2207\/files\/house_of_chess_morabaraba_birch_ply_wood_black_print_45cm_1.jpg?v=1749207814"},{"product_id":"morabaraba-birch-ply-wood-black-print-30-5cm-copy","title":"MORABARABA | 11 cm Board | Solid Wood","description":"\u003cp\u003eChallenge your mind with Morabaraba, one of the world's oldest and most beloved board games.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDating back over 3,000 years, this timeless classic combines elegant simplicity with surprising strategic depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVictory comes from clever planning and tactical thinking, not the roll of dice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGreat for strategy game enthusiasts seeking a fresh challenge.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePerfect for travellers who need entertainment on the go.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSupplied with a box for easy storage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA thoughtful and unique gift option.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChoose your colour combination:\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGreen \u0026amp; Yellow\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRed \u0026amp; Blue\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRed \u0026amp; Yellow\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRed \u0026amp; Green\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBoard size: 13 × 13 × 13 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBox size: 14 × 14 × 14 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMorabaraba, also known as “Umlabalaba” in Africa, is similar to “Twelve Men’s Morris”, which, in turn, is a variation of the Roman board game “Nine Men’s Morris”.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEach piece is a part of a sustainable story – creative recycling. Since 1990, skilled artisans have rescued leftover furniture wood from being burned or destroyed, transforming it into beautiful, handcrafted games and puzzles.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"House of Chess","offers":[{"title":"Green \u0026 Yellow","offer_id":43390820745318,"sku":null,"price":210.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":false},{"title":"Red \u0026 Blue","offer_id":43390820778086,"sku":null,"price":210.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":false},{"title":"Red \u0026 Yellow","offer_id":43390820810854,"sku":null,"price":210.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":false},{"title":"Red \u0026 Green","offer_id":43390820843622,"sku":null,"price":210.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1689\/2207\/files\/house_of_chess_morabaraba_11cm_solid_wood_1.jpg?v=1760447703"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1689\/2207\/collections\/house_of_chess_morabaraba_collection_1.jpg?v=1780912133","url":"https:\/\/houseofchess.co.za\/collections\/morabaraba.oembed","provider":"House of Chess","version":"1.0","type":"link"}