Recently, I immersed myself in learning Fanorona, and I discovered that it is more than just an engaging pastime; it profoundly reflects the Malagasy mindset. By analyzing the rules and mechanics of Fanorona, one can gain deeper insights into the collective attitude and societal principles of the Malagasy people.
Fanorona is a two-player game played on a 9x5 grid, with each player having 22 pieces. The game begins with all pieces positioned at the intersections of the lines on the board. The objective is straightforward yet challenging: to capture all of the opponent’s pieces or block them from making any legal moves. This contrasts with Chess, where the goal is to checkmate the opponent’s king.
In Fanorona, pieces move along the lines to adjacent intersections. Captures are made by either approaching (pushing) or retreating (pulling) from an opponent’s piece. A unique feature of the game is the concept of chain captures, which allows a piece to continue capturing additional pieces in the same turn by changing direction. This creates a dynamic and fluid play tempo, where the state of the board can shift dramatically within just a few moves.
Adaptability and Quick Thinking
Fanorona emphasizes adaptability and quick thinking. Players must make swift decisions to capture their opponent’s pieces while avoiding capture themselves, reflecting the Malagasy values of resilience and flexibility. The game’s fluidity mirrors the need for Malagasy people to be nimble and adapt quickly (kinga sy mailaka) to diverse and changing environments, whether in daily life or in response to climate and social shifts.
Strategic Thinking and Planning
While Fanorona is dynamic and fast-paced, it also demands calm strategic thinking and planning. Players must anticipate their opponent’s moves and think several steps ahead to create opportunities for capturing pieces. For instance, securing the central position (mahazo laka) later in the game is crucial for gaining a strategic advantage — reflecting the current political dynamics in the country. This aligns with the Malagasy value of level-headed foresight and careful planning (mitsinjo ny vodiandro merika). Strategic thinking is essential for making long-term decisions, both in the game and in real life.
Collective Action and Cooperation
Fanorona fosters collective action and cooperation. Each move impacts the entire board, requiring players to consider how their actions influence the game as a whole. This communal approach reflects the values of Malagasy society, where community and cooperation (fihavanana sy fiaraha-mientana) are highly prized. The game encourages all the pieces to work together towards a common goal, highlighting the importance of collective effort in achieving success and overcoming challenges.
Equality and Mutual Respect
In Fanorona, all pieces are equal in value and capability, with no rigid status or hierarchy. This egalitarian approach underscores the Malagasy belief in equality and mutual respect (tsy misy iva na avo). Every piece can influence the game’s outcome, emphasizing that each individual in society has a valuable role to play. This stands in contrast to games like Chess, where pieces have varying levels of power and importance, reflecting hierarchical systems.
Respect for Opponents
Additionally, Fanorona teaches players to be mindful of the defeated opponent, as the game is not about winning at all costs. A draw (sahala) is often seen as a perfectly acceptable — even desirable — outcome. Malagasy tend to avoid humiliating defeated players, seeking instead a face-saving mechanism (tsy manao tsindrio fa lavo). In the “vela” variant, the defeated player is given the opportunity to replay the game, with the conditions tilted in their favor, allowing them a chance for redemption.
Conclusion
Fanorona beautifully encapsulates the Malagasy mindset. Its rules and mechanics reflect key cultural values such as adaptability, cooperation, equality, strategic thinking, and respect for opponents. Through Fanorona, we gain a deeper understanding of the way Malagasy people navigate their world, balancing individual actions with collective goals. Like many aspects of Malagasy life, the game emphasizes the journey over the outcome, reminding us that the process itself holds greater significance.
