Chouette Backgammon Variant

Chouette is a Backgammon variant that was created for at least 2 players. In the setting of a Backgammon club, this game provides various benefits when compared to other variants that have only 2 players. Chouette encourages more social interaction, so it is often a very enjoyable and exhilarating game. Participants can also enter the game or take a short breather if they feel the need to do so (just remember that new players start at the bottom of the chain).

The upcoming explanation of Chouette rules should be taken tentatively since numerous modifications of the basic rules exist. Hence, if you are new to a Backgammon club, make sure that you understand the Chouette rules at that specific club.

How to Play Chouette

For the game to begin, a die is thrown by every player and if a tie occurs, they roll again. The one with the greatest roll is called the “box”. The “box” competes with the remaining players which make up the team. The player that rolls the second highest number is then the team captain, whose function is to roll the dice and make the team's plays.

If the “box” is the victor of a Chouette Backgammon game, he rakes in the winnings from every one of the team's members, after which the captain is replaced by the following team player. If the team wins the game, the “box”divides the money, distributes it to each member of the team and is replaced by the team captain.

Consultation is an aspect of Chouette that differs depending on the venue. While some Backgammon clubs permit consultation regarding the play of rolls, other clubs have restrictions against it. The middle ground often implemented allows for consultation, but only following the turn of the cube.

Chouette can be played in 2 ways:

1. Single Cube Chouette - In Single Cube Chouette, the team players each have to make just 1 choice and that choice is about takes. In the case that the “box” doubles, each member of the team decides independently if he should continue or discontinue his participation in the game. The players that discontinue pay the “box” and stop playing as team advisors. If the captain leaves and other members of the team wish to continue playing, one of the players that wants to continue becomes the new captain, while the old captain goes to the bottom of the chain.
2. Multiple Cube Chouette - In Multiple Cube Chouette, every team member gets a doubling cube. The “box” may double the members of the team, while each member has the chance to make his own decision about if and when to double the “box”. Since there are multiple cubes rolling around, it is conceivable that the “box” will win some of his opponents and lose to others. Hence, a player can only keep the “box” if he wins the captain.

In Chouette with a minimum of 8 participants, many times the “box” is allowed to take a partner. The partner to be chosen goes down the chain, beginning with the captain. In the case that nobody volunteers to be the “box's” partner, a partner can be picked by the members of the team, aside from the captain.

David Carnegy - Managing Editor