Runnin' the Chouette

A more sociable form of backgammon is called a Chouette , and this version of the game invites three or more players, unlike the customary duo of the traditional game. What comes to be in this style of playing is two sides competing against each other-usually for money, and one side collecting a joint pot at the end of a game.

A chouette begins with the players rolling in order to determine how each will be cast in the chouette. The player who rolls the highest single die is declared the box and will be pinned against all the other players. The second-highest roll will determine who will be the captain of the opposing team. He will be responsible for rolling the dice and making the plays on the board for his team.

So long as the box manages to win games, he will collect the winnings from each member of the opposing team. After each loss for the team, their captain step down and makes room for the next player on the team to take the role of captain. The defeated captain goes to the back of the line to allow a full rotation of different captains to have their turn before he is up again. If it is the team that comes up victorious, then the defeated box goes to the back of the line and the victorious captain takes his place as the new box.

Different variations of a chouette limit the team differently. Some allow team members to discuss moves and strategies with the captain, others forbid it. Each locale and tradition allow varying leniency in this aspect of the game, or will determine at which stages of play the players are permitted to consult the captain on the team’s moves.

This game’s appealing factor lies in each player having the opportunity to sit at different roles of the game throughout the different stages of the chouette. Within each different stage of the action lies a different danger of losing money and different odds of winning.

If a chouette becomes so large that there are eight or more players participating, then the box is permitted to take a partner. This partnership will be in rotation as well, with the captain being the first in line.