@statmatt
It’s clear that opening is not unimportant.
Breakthrough is by the way something in the middle between Mancala-like outplaying strategy and Mancala-unlike accomplishing the mission.
Entries for Weekly Challenge 108 has closed. Thanks to all users who participated.
The winner is @LowestPosWinRate who moved 25 stones (capturing 0 stone), and then won in 49 moves (97 ply) a game of Bestemshe against @PS-Greedy-Two-Move in the following game:
playstrategy.org/hjbqCMew
Users are still welcome to attempt this challenge and post answers here, but the winner has been fixed. The next challenge can be found here: playstrategy.org/forum/weekly-challenges/weekly-challenge-109-palace-pieces