Seven-Shell Pachisi
A documented variant of Pachisi played with seven cowrie shells rather than six. Each throw value carries a traditional Hindi name. The seven-shell system produces a different probability distribution and enables higher-scoring throws, with a maximum of 35 (Paintees) compared to 25 in the standard game.
Pachisi — cross-shaped board layout with Charkoni and castle squares
https://engine.moddable.games/play/?game=pachisi&variant=seven-shell
Seven-Shell Throw Table
Seven cowrie shells are thrown together. The number of shells landing with the mouth (opening) facing up determines the move value:
| Mouths up | Traditional name | Move value | Grace (extra throw)? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Sat | 7 | Yes |
| 1 | Dus | 10 | Yes |
| 2 | Dooga | 2 | No |
| 3 | Teeni | 3 | No |
| 4 | Chari | 4 | No |
| 5 | Pachees | 25 | Yes |
| 6 | Paintees | 35 | Yes |
| 7 | Chaudah | 14 | Yes |
Grace: A grace throw is earned on results of 0, 1, 5, 6, or 7 mouths up.
Rules
All other rules are identical to Standard Pachisi: the board layout, castle squares, Charkoni, movement path, capture mechanics, and winning condition are unchanged. Only the randomisation system differs.
Attribution
Seven-Shell Pachisi. Public domain. Throw table from Wikipedia (CC-BY-SA), Pachisi article, seven-cowrie variant section.