The Must-Feed Rule
📋 What it is
In Oware, if the opponent has no seeds, you must play a move that gives them some — you can't starve them out.
🗣️ Coach says
A fairness rule in Oware: if it's your opponent's turn and ALL their pits are empty, you must make a move that puts seeds on their side ("feeding" them) if you can. You're not allowed to just leave them stuck. If no feeding move exists, the game ends and the remaining seeds are shared per the rules.
🧠 Memory hook
If the enemy is empty, you must feed them a seed if you can — no starving them out.
😂 Giggle
Why did the seed refuse to rush?
It knew in Oware, slow and counted wins the game!
😲 Whoa!
The must-feed rule makes Oware unusually fair and forces long, tense endgames — you can't win just by leaving the opponent with nothing.
✅ Quick check: In Oware, what must you do if the opponent has no seeds and you can give them some?
Say your answer out loud first — then reveal.
You must play a move that "feeds" seeds onto their side — you're required to keep them in the game if a feeding move exists.
The must-feed rule forbids starving the opponent when you can prevent it.
🧪 Try it! (2 minutes)
Set the opponent's pits all empty and find a move of yours that reaches onto their side to feed them.