Bai Choi – A Traditional Folk Game in Hoi An: Preserving the Vietnamese Cultural Heritage

Bai Choi is an enchanting and captivating experience in the exploration of Hoi An’s tourism. If the northern region has quan họ folk songs, and the southern region has đờn ca tài tử (amateur music), then the central region has bai choi. Visiting the ancient town and listening to the melodious tunes of Bài Chòi will undoubtedly create a lasting and unforgettable memory.

1. Introduction to Bai Choi in Hoi An

Bai Choi can be simply understood as a card game played on a chòi (a traditional bamboo hutch). In Hoi An’s Old Town, the game is organized in spacious open areas along the picturesque Hoai River. In the past, bài chòi was only held during festive occasions, such as the Lunar New Year or major festivals, but now it takes place every evening in Hoi An’s Old Town.

This is a unique traditional folk game of the people in Hoi An, a vibrant ancient city located on the central coast of Vietnam. Bai Choi is not only a recreational game but also carries profound cultural values and serves as a symbol of community spirit.

2. How is Bai Choi in Hoi An Organized?

2.1. Role in Bai Choi folk game

In the game, it will include:

• The game announcer: The game announcer, known as “anh Hiệu” or “chị Hiệu,” is the person who calls out the Bai Choi cards. Players need to pay special attention to the instructions given by the game announcer. They are the ones who will sing the card names.
• Participants:
  • Foreign tourists: There will be a team of proficient tour guides who can explain the content, meanings, and rules of the game in different languages.
  • Domestic tourists and local residents.

2.2 How to play this Hoi An’s traditional game?

To play Bai Choi, a chòi (bamboo hutch) is erected in the center, also known as the “chòi cái,” surrounded by 10 smaller chòis.

Players sit on the smaller chòi while the game announcer stands on the central chòi. However, in Hoi An’s Old Town, only around 4-5 chòis are usually set up. In other places in the Central region, people may play this game without setting up chòis, instead using mats, nêu trees, card holders, and chairs.

2.3. What’s the rules of this game?

The game starts with the lively sound of a drum. The game announcer calls out inviting phrases to attract everyone’s attention.

After the opening song, the game announcer introduces the names of the cards. Players choose three different cards to hold in their hands.

Next, the game announcer steps forward, shakes the card tube, and pulls out each card, singing the card’s name. Players who have that card on their chòi will tap the mõ (a small wooden instrument) three times or shout “có đây” (here it is). Each time they do so, they receive a small flag.

The game continues until a chòi collects three flags. The player then shouts “tới” (arrived) and taps the bamboo tocsin several times. At that moment, the main drum and side drum in the central chòi are struck to announce the winner. The winner receives a Hoi An lantern.

2.4. Singing Bai Choi in Hoi An

Bai Choi consists of two components: the card game and the singing. The lyrics combine the folk melodies of the Southern region with the speaking and singing style of tuồng (classical drama).

Singing Bai Choi is an integral part of the this folk game game in Hoi An. The game host sings a song as a riddle, and players have to recognize and respond by singing the next line. This process continues until a player cannot answer correctly or continue the song.

The singing part is performed by “anh Hiệu” and “chị Hiệu.” The singing announcers play a crucial role as they need to be focused to know the names of the drawn cards and the corresponding songs, as well as to come up with ideas for the lyrics. They should possess excellent singing and announcing skills, a witty performance style, charm, and improvisation abilities. These “anh Hiệu” and “chị Hiệu” are the ones who preserve the essence of Bai Choi in Hoi An.

3. Performance Schedule of Bai Choi in Hoi An

The Bài Chòi sessions take place at An Hoi Sculpture Garden, located in Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province. This enchanting venue serves as the perfect setting for experiencing the traditional folk game.

Bài Chòi performances are held every evening at 7:00 PM, throughout the week. Visitors can join the sessions by purchasing Bài Chòi cards at the price of 20,000 VND per card.

4. Cultural Significance

Bai Choi in Hoi An is not just a recreational game but also holds deep cultural significance. It helps preserve and develop traditional values, fostering social cohesion and interaction. Moreover, the game serves as a means to convey history, folklore, and cultural knowledge from one generation to another.

The folk songs of this game have a significant role in preserving the essence of tradition and promoting the endangered cultural heritage of the ethnic community. The lyrics also carry contemporary significance as a medium to disseminate the government’s principles and policies to the people, making society increasingly better and more beautiful.

Bai Choi, a traditional folk game, embodies unique cultural values. With its distinctive gameplay and the combination of game and singing, it has become a symbol of the spirit of the Hoi An community. This is not just a recreational game; it holds profound cultural significance and is an important part of Vietnam’s cultural heritage.