Two Capoeiristas squat down in front of the musical orchestra. One of them begins to sing a litany (laidanha) the lyrics of which generally contain a challenge to the partner of the game. The other participant may then answer with another laidanha and with the permission of the mestre, they prepare to fight. They bless themselves by the hand touching the ground (and sometimes also touching the berimbau) and finish with a sign of the cross or a quick salute of a hand to forehead and nape. This is a ritual to ask for a protection in the game and depends on the religiosity of each player. They then shake hands and stare on each other, waiting for the cue from the person with the berimbau (usually the student with the highest rank).