(Amharic Version) [print]
History
Tossing and catching rounded objects has entertained humankind for centuries. The Ethiopian version of this game is Qililibosh. Generations of Ethiopians cherish this childhood memory of playing Qililibosh. Rooted in this Ethiopian culture is the next generation of Qililibosh. This version is more challenging, it helps develop math skills as well as hand-eye coordination and logic.
Overview
There are five polyhedral dice numbered 1 through 5: four yellow and one black, as shown below (Picture 1). The number 5 dice is the playmaker. The dice have numeric annotation glyphs in Amharic, English and dot(s) corresponding to each number. The Qb logo is the common denominator symbol for all dice. Two or more players can participate in the game. Qililibosh is for eight years old and older.
Picture 1
Rules and regulations
There are six sets: three for the right hand and three for the left hand. Each set has three consecutive rounds. To start the first set, hold four yellow dice in your palm, and the number 5 dice with your index finger and thumb.
To initiate each round: Toss the playmaker straight in the air and gently drop the four yellow dice on the floor. Please ensure the toss is high enough so you can have more time to catch the playmaker as it comes down.
Round 1:
Pick up one die at a time by tossing the playmaker straight in the air and catching it on its way down. Repeat the action until you pick up all the dice. All the dice must remain in your hand while tossing and grabbing each die. If the playmaker hits the ground, you lose a turn.
- Score: Add up the die number on each yellow die that you have caught and multiply the total by 1.
- Example: 1 x 10 = 10
Round 2:
Pick two dice at a time. Add the number on each yellow die and add to Round 1.
- Mini Bonus: An additional 10 points for picking up odd/even pieces together.
- Score: Add up the die number on each yellow die that you have caught and multiply the total by 2.
- Example: 2 x 10 = 20; Total points: 10 (Round 1) + 20 (Round 2) + 10 (Bonus Point) = 30 points
Round 3:
Pick all four dice. If you do not pick up all four at once, you do not add any points in this round.
- Score: Add all four yellow dice together if you were able to pick them all at once, and multiply by 3.
- Example: 3 x 10 = 30; Total points: 10 (Round 1) + 20 (Round 2) + 30 (Round 3) = 60 points
Final Round:
Hold all five dice, including the playmaker, and toss them all together lightly (not even an inch high), and flip your hand to let the pieces land on the back of your hand. Once more, toss lightly and catch the dice underhand.
- Score: Add up the die number on each die including the playmaker that you have caught and multiply the total by 4.
- Example: 4 x 15 = 60; Total points: 10 (Round 1) + 20 (Round 2) + 30 (Round 3) + 60 (Final Round) = 110 points
Players will take turns after each set. Players alternate their hands as they take turns. You lose your favor if you fail to pick up a piece or drop the playmaker at any round of the set.
Big Bonus: If all dice land with the Qb logo facing up, the player automatically wins the set (collects 120 points) in that particular set.
The perfect score for each set is 120 points (including the Mini Bonus for picking up odd and even numbers together in Round 2).