Backgammon Chouette Rules

by Malcolm Davis
31 August 2009

Malcolm Davis

In my view, chouettes are the most enjoyable and skillful form of backgammon – by far. Respectfully, I have probably played in more chouettes and logged more chouette-hours, in all parts of the backgammon geographical world, than nearly anyone in the backgammon arena.

The following suggestions should be seriously considered if a group of regular chouette players are interested in maximizing their collective enjoyment. These simple dictates cover essentially what are the most desirable and enjoyable features contained in basic chouette rules.

The rest of this article (6.58 K) is premium content.

GammonVillage Subscriptions:

You must be signed in to rate articles.

Feedback about this article:

Subject: Re: Backgammon Chouette Rules

From: Coolrey

Date: 31 Aug 2009 13:29 EST

I like it, Malcolm! I seldom play chouettes anymore having been forever turned off by the constant bickering and endless consulting. Even when they know they are forbidden to consult before a cube turn players violate the rules constantly, by making overt gestures and remarks to indicate displeasure over a current move.

I decided long ago that perhaps as much as 20% of all chouette players only play because it affords them an ideal atmosphere in which to argue. They will take the opposite side of any point of view in order to provoke an argument, and they will never resign from it once started. How tedious! I hate that.

I usually don't play unless it is non consulting anymore.

Subject: Re: Backgammon Chouette Rules

From: PhilSimborg Member has a photo available

Date: 31 Aug 2009 19:34 EST

I only take issue with one of your comments...I challenge you as having put more time into chouettes. For the past 20 years I have averaged 4 days a week, plus one or two evenings and occasionally at tournaments. For the 10 years before that, I averaged 3 days a week and 2 nights a week, and often went all night. And I have played in every major city in the US. Now, I won't debate who has won more...you have to be the winner, hands down!

As for your rules, I love them and have been pushing for them here in Chicago. So far, we have only recently convinced our daily chou to go to no consulting until there is a 4 cube, but even that change has dramatically improved the game...we are playing almost twice as many games in an afternoon and the bickering has virtually been eliminated.

I, too, have played with very combinatio of rules, and there is no question in my mind that yours are the best. Remember, a few years ago I used to come to Dallas several Wednesdays a month mainly because I enjoyed playing in your tournaments and chouette so much!

Now, if I could just get our guys to agree to equal cube action and no settlements, we'd have a hell of a game. The only thing that worries me is that you might start commuting to Chicago!

Subject: Re: Backgammon Chouette Rules

From: schmucki Member has a photo available

Date: 02 Sep 2009 12:33 EST

i dont agree. for me a chouette should be also a lot of discussion (about the game and beside the game), fun and also disapointment! this is what it makes thrilled for me. the boring watching between two players while the others are waiting for their turn - not allowed to say one single word - is just for better for sharks, because the weaker player takes no profit from the discussion and the next time he will not join the game.

Subject: Re: Backgammon Chouette Rules

From: PhilSimborg Member has a photo available

Date: 02 Sep 2009 12:56 EST

We call our no consulting rule the "no insulting" rule simply because it stops so many arguments. We still have plenty of discussion about plays and take lots of pictures and enter many positions in the computer... I always have my laptop and Extremegammon for analysis. I do agree that poorer players don't get help during the game. If we have someone who is really worse than the rest, we allow him to skip the box to reduce his risk.

You must be signed in to post comments.