Bai choi
Two old ladies playing Bài chòi | |
| Origin | Vietnamese |
|---|---|
| Alternative name | Bài tới |
| Players | 9-11 huts |
| Cards | 33 |
| Deck | Money-suited cards set |
| Play | Simultaneous |
| Chance | High |
Bài Chòi (aka Bài tới in Huế) is a combination of arts in Central Vietnam including music, poetry, acting, painting and literature, providing recreation, entertainment and socialising within village communities. It was inscribed on the UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in 2017. Bài Chòi was recognised as Vietnam's national intangible cultural heritage during 2014-2016 by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Bài Chòi games and performances involve a card game similar to bingo, played with songs and music performed by Hieu artists, during the Tết Nguyên Đán. In Hội An, Quang Nam, Bai Choi singing classes have been opened for secondary school students.
The bài chòi culture has also been introduced in Japan and in Germany.