Editor’s Note:
This guide has been updated for clarity while keeping the original tone and traditional terms used in Indonesia. The rules remain the same, but the steps are now easier for younger readers to follow.
Number of Players
2 players
What You Need
- 1 congklak board (7 holes on each side + 2 large end holes called storehouses)
- 98 small shells, seeds, or stones
Object of the Game
Collect as many shells as possible in your storehouse (the big hole on your left side).
How to Win
You win if:
- You have the most shells in your storehouse (menang biji)OR
- You are the last player with shells on your side (menang jalan)
How to Play – First Round
Step 1: Set Up the Board
- Put 7 shells in each small hole on both sides
- Leave both storehouses empty
(If your board has a different number of holes, put that same number of shells in each hole.)
Step 2: Start the Game
- Decide who goes first
- That player picks up all the shells from one hole on their side
Step 3: Moving the Shells
- Move clockwise around the board
- Drop one shell into each hole as you go
- Skip your opponent’s storehouse
Step 4: What Happens When You Drop Your Last Shell?
1. If the last hole has shells in it
- Pick up all the shells in that hole
- Keep going (same direction)
2. If the last hole is empty
- Your turn ends (mati)
- It is now your opponent’s turn
3. If the last shell lands in your storehouse
- You get another turn
- Pick any hole on your side and continue playing
4. Special Rule (Tembak / Capture Move)
If all of these are true:
- The last shell lands in an empty hole
- That hole is on your side
- You have already gone around the board at least once
👉 Then:
- Take that shell PLUS all shells directly across from it (your opponent’s side)
- Put them into your storehouse
- Your turn ends
Step 5: Continue Playing
Players take turns until one player has no shells left on their side.
- If you run out first → you lose the round (kalah jalan)
- Your opponent wins the round (menang jalan)
- The winner goes first in the next round
Second Round (And Next Rounds)
Step 1: Reset
- Both players collect all shells from:
- Their storehouse
- Their side of the board
Step 2: Refill the Board
- Place 7 shells in each hole, starting near your storehouse
Step 3: Extra Shells
- If you have extra shells → put them in your storehouse (menang biji)
Step 4: If You Don’t Have Enough Shells (Ngacang)
If a player does not have enough shells:
- Fill as many holes as possible with 7 shells
- Spread the remaining shells across a few holes
👉 These are called ngacang holes
Rules for Ngacang Holes
- Your opponent must skip them when playing
- No one can take shells from them
- You can still drop shells into your own ngacang holes
- They are protected from capture (tembak)
Strategy Tip
If you have at least one shell in your far-right hole, you can keep your turn going longer. This is an important advantage.
End of the Game
The game continues for multiple rounds until:
- One player has no shells left at allOR
- Both players decide to stop
👉 Then count all shells👉 The player with the most shells wins
Final Tip
Congklak may look simple, but it becomes a game of strategy and counting. With practice, players learn to predict moves and plan ahead to capture more shells.
