The game of (o jogo de) Capoeira Angola is a ritualised mock combat that is played with two players within a ring of people, known as a roda (pronounced "hoda"). The game is played to music, which is played by people who form one side of the roda. The musicians form the bateria which is normally composed of other players of the game, rather than specific band members. The objectives of the game are vague, and are largely dependent on the outcomes that are desired by the two players and the person who is in charge of the roda (usually the Mestre). In other words, there is no official winner or loser of the game.

Generally, practitioners attempt to cause their camarada, or "comrade", to lose their balance, fall, or to put them in a position where they could not avoid a blow inflicted upon them (sort of a "checkmate" moment), while at the same time not letting the opponent do the same to them. Note that generally the game of Capoeira Angola is non-violent and any blows, or fast sweeps that may cause injury to an opponent are usually shown and not completed.

The movements used by the players in attack and defence are characterised by being "closed", as opposed to open movements which offer the opportunity to be attacked. Being closed refers to an inability of the opponent to attack a weak point because it is covered by a part of the body that is not considered attackable in the game. Closed body parts are thighs, the back, the buttocks, and the arms. Areas considered open when left unguarded, and therefore vulnerable to attacks, are ankles, the head, the stomach and chest.

As well, many of the movements are done with one or both hands flat on the floor, and some without one or both feet on the floor. This is perhaps due to the importance which is placed on causing a fall in the game - the additional balance allowed by having additional points of contact with the floor defeat many of the leg-sweeping attacks, known as rasteira. Attacks almost always come in the form of kicks or head attacks. As well, movements are characterised by circles and flow.

Information extracted from Wikipedia

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