Illiteracy among men belonging to fisherfolk is not an impediment to display their intelligence to win a game against a rival in the age-old game – Daadi.
The game, which still exists in parts of fishermen villages in Krishna district, requires a three-by-four square drawing on which result depends on the strategies of the two players. Each player has 11 stones in hand to attack and capture his rival’s stones to win the game by calculating and executing every move by the other end within no time.
The player needs to put check on the moves by his rival till the end of the game. While chess is considered a gentlemen’s game, Daadi, known as rural folk’s chess, still remains the most preferred game among old people in rural Andhra Pradesh. The thrill of the game ensures that the player enjoys it fully. Fishermen in their old age are seen playing the game in parts of Krishna district, particularly villages in Diviseema region.
“Daadi game tests one’s capabilities in planning and timely execution of strategy. However, it all lies with intelligence and in return the game gives an ultimate thrill of success,” said Daadi players at Sorlagondi village in Krishna district. Addicted to the joy in the game, the fisherfolk spend most of their leisure time playing the game, which is a great source of entertainment for onlookers.
Neither children nor the youths of the fishermen community dare to disturb the players when a game is in progress. “The family members never attempt to disturb us when a game is in progress. Considered a good habit, the Daadi player earns respect among the community,” opined Jalayya and his colleagues of Sorlagondi village.
