Story, Rules
& What's Next
Everything about ASA NTI in one place — the Adinkra stories behind the suits, the complete rules, and what's coming next.
AHENNIE
"The name of this symbol translates to Kingship."
This symbol represents the Gold suit in the card deck. AHENNIE embodies the sovereign authority that defines Asante leadership — the grace of command, the weight of responsibility, and the brilliance that comes with holding power for the good of the people.
In the Asante Kingdom, the concept of Kingship extended far beyond the individual ruler. It was a responsibility held collectively by the royal court, the elders, and the people themselves. The Asantehene sat on the Golden Stool — a symbol not of personal power, but of the collective soul of the Asante nation.
In the game, AHENNIE cards carry the highest ranks in the standard suits. To hold the Gold suit is to hold the power to command the table.
BAMMƆ
"The name of this symbol translates to Protection."
This symbol represents the Red suit in the card deck. BAMMƆ speaks to the warrior tradition of the Asante — the unseen shield that guards the community, the courage that stands between the people and harm.
The Asante were renowned throughout West Africa for their military organisation, their bravery, and their complex systems of mutual protection. The BAMMƆ symbol draws on this tradition — not as a symbol of aggression, but as a symbol of vigilance and care.
In the game, BAMMƆ cards form the Red suit. Follow suit when you can — or play strategically when you cannot. To hold a BAMMƆ card is to hold a line.
AHABAN ANIWA
"The name of this symbol translates to Eye of the Leaf."
The symbol represents potency, health, and vitality found in plants. This symbol represents the Green suit in the card deck. AHABAN ANIWA is the wisdom of nature — the knowledge of healers, herbalists, and those who understand that true power grows quietly.
In Asante tradition, the forest was not merely a resource — it was a pharmacy, a library, and a sanctuary. The knowledge of plants, their healing properties, and their spiritual significance was held by specialists whose wisdom was as prized as that of any warrior or ruler.
In the game, AHABAN ANIWA cards form the Green suit — the quiet, steady hand. Patience and timing with this suit can turn the fifth trick in your favour.
Roots of the Game
Players & Cards
ASA NTI is played by 2, 3, or 4 players using a 48-card deck made up of three standard suits and a special fourth suit. Only 36 cards are used per game — cards 5 through Nana in each standard suit, plus all cards from the fourth suit.
3 standard suits + 1 special fourth suit with 3 cards.
Cards 5 and above from each standard suit, plus the full fourth suit.
Dealt in two batches: 3 cards first, then 2 — starting left of dealer.
Only the winner of the 5th and final trick scores points.
Ranks High to Low
Nana (highest)
Queen Mother
Divisional Chief
Sub-Chief
Local Chief
Okyeame
10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5 (lowest)
Golden Stool — highest card in the entire game. Winner declares the suit for the next trick. Cannot be played last.
Okomfo (×2) — lowest card in the game, but can form a Force King when paired with any suit card (except Nana or Golden Stool).
Golden Stool (supreme)
Nana
Queen Mother → Okyeame
10 → 5
Okomfo (lowest / Force King)
Deal & Play
First dealer chosen randomly. After that, the winner of each hand becomes the next dealer.
Dealer shuffles and deals 5 cards in two batches: 3 cards first, then 2, starting left of the dealer.
The player to the dealer's left leads the first card face-up. Fourth Suit cards cannot start the first trick.
Each player must follow suit if able. If not, play any card. Highest card of the led suit wins the trick.
The winner of each trick leads the next. Play continues for exactly five tricks per hand.
Special Cards
The highest-ranking card in the game. When you win a trick with the Golden Stool, you may declare the suit for the next trick. It cannot be played as the last card.
Lowest card normally, but pair it face-up with any suit card (except Nana or Golden Stool) to create a Force King — valued as a Nana but cannot outrank an actual Nana. Draw one card immediately after. Okomfo must be placed on top.
Can be played regardless of current suit. If two or more Queen Mothers are played in the same round and none match the current suit, they cancel out — Bickering Queens. The previous round's leader plays again or wins if it's their last card.
If played immediately after a Nana of the same suit by the same player, the Okyeame outranks the Divisional Chief and all cards below it. This combination is called In Court.
If the card drawn after playing a Force King is the Golden Stool, that card must be dropped and replaced with another card from the deck.
Fourth Suit cards (Golden Stool & Okomfo) may not be used to start the first trick of any hand. They can be played freely in subsequent tricks.
How Points Work
Only the winner of the fifth and final trick scores points each hand. The winner of each hand becomes the dealer for the next.
| Winning Card | Points | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| A 5 | 3 pts | Only possible if the winner led a 6 to the last trick and no one had matching suit |
| A 6 | 2 pts | Win the final trick with a 6 |
| Any other card | 1 pt | Win the final trick with any other card |