Bao (mancala Game) - Terminology

Terminology

In Swahili literature on Bao, the following terms are commonly used:

• kete: the seeds.
• kichwa: the first and last pits in a player's inner row.
• kimbi: the first two and last two pits in a player's inner row, i.e., the kitchwa pits as well the pits adjancent to them. In some cases, the term "kimbi" is only used for the second and next to last pits in the inner row, i.e., kitchwa pits are not included as kimbi pits.
• mtaji: referring to a turn, is a turn that begins with a capture, and that may include further captures. Referring to a phase of the game, is the phase where there are no seeds left in hand. Some sources also use "mtaji" to refer to a group of seeds that, when sown, lead to a capture.
• namua: the initial phase of Bao la kiswahili, when seeds "in hand" are introduced into the game.
• nemo: the seeds in hand
• nyumba: the fourth pit from the right in a player's inner row; usually distinguished by a square pit.
• shimo (plur. mashimo): pit(s).
• takata: refers to a turn that does not begin with a capture and, thus, that may not include any capture.