The world of crosswords is a fascinating one, with puzzles that cater to diverse interests and regions. When it comes to games from Africa, the New York Times (NYT) crossword often features clues that showcase the continent's rich cultural heritage and history. In this article, we will delve into five answers related to games from Africa that have appeared in the NYT crossword.
The Thrill of African Games
Games have been an integral part of African culture for centuries, serving as a means of entertainment, socialization, and skill-building. From strategy board games like Mancala to physical activities like Tag, games from Africa have been a staple of community life. In the NYT crossword, answers related to these games often require a deep understanding of African culture and history.
1. Mancala
Understanding Mancala
Mancala is one of the oldest known board games in the world, with its origins dating back to Africa over 1,300 years ago. The game is played on a wooden board with two rows of pits, and the objective is to capture more stones than your opponent. Mancala has been featured in the NYT crossword on several occasions, with clues ranging from "African strategy game" to "Game played with stones."
2. Kalah
Exploring Kalah
Kalah is a variant of Mancala that originated in West Africa. The game is played on a rectangular board with 12 pits, and the objective is to capture all of your opponent's stones. Kalah has been featured in the NYT crossword as "African board game" or "Variant of Mancala."
3. Owari
Owari: A Game of Strategy
Owari is a two-player strategy board game that originated in Ghana. The game is played on a rectangular board with 12 pits, and the objective is to capture more stones than your opponent. Owari has been featured in the NYT crossword as "African strategy game" or "Game played with seeds."
4. Mehen
Uncovering Mehen
Mehen is an ancient Egyptian board game that dates back to around 2000 BCE. The game is played on a rectangular board with a coiled snake, and the objective is to navigate your game piece around the board without getting caught by the snake. Mehen has been featured in the NYT crossword as "Ancient Egyptian board game" or "Game of the gods."
5. Morabaraba
Morabaraba: A Game of Skill
Morabaraba is a strategy board game that originated in South Africa. The game is played on a rectangular board with 24 intersections, and the objective is to create a row of three game pieces in a straight line. Morabaraba has been featured in the NYT crossword as "South African board game" or "Game of strategy."
Get Ready to Take on the NYT Crossword
Now that you have learned about these fascinating games from Africa, are you ready to take on the NYT crossword? With a deeper understanding of African culture and history, you'll be better equipped to tackle clues related to these games. Remember to think strategically, and don't be afraid to explore new words and phrases. Happy puzzling!
Share Your Thoughts
Have you ever tried playing any of these games from Africa? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!