Backgammon is usually a two-player game — but what happens when three, four, or five friends all want to play? The answer is the chouette: the classic multiplayer backgammon format played in clubs and casinos around the world. Fast, social, and full of strategic intrigue, the chouette is how most serious club players prefer to play.
Key Takeaways
- A chouette is a multiplayer backgammon format where one player (the "box") plays against the entire team
- The box controls a single set of checkers but plays for multiplied stakes — one game against each team member simultaneously
- Team members may consult each other on checker play and cube decisions
- If the box wins, the captain of the team moves to the back of the rotation and the box retains their position
- If the team wins, the captain becomes the new box
- Chouettes can be played with 3 to 6+ players and are the primary format in most backgammon clubs
What Is a Chouette?
A chouette (pronounced “shoo-ET”) is a format where one player — called the box — plays a single game of backgammon against all other players simultaneously. The other players form a team, led by a captain.
Key features:
- The box plays one set of checkers against the entire team
- The box’s financial stake is multiplied by the number of team members
- Team members can advise the captain on decisions
- Players rotate through the box position
Chouettes make backgammon social and fast — everyone is involved in every game, even when it’s not their turn to captain.
The Positions
The Box
- Controls a single set of checkers
- Plays against all team members at once
- Wins (or loses) one game stake against each team member
- Has complete autonomy — no consultation required
- Retains the box position as long as they keep winning
The Captain
- Leads the team’s checker play
- Makes final decisions on checker moves and cube actions (unless consultation is allowed)
- First in line to become the new box if the team wins
The Team Members
- Each has their own financial stake in the game
- Can advise the captain (in most chouette formats)
- Can make independent cube decisions in some formats
Basic Rules
Starting the Chouette
- All players roll one die. Highest roll becomes the first box.
- Second highest becomes the captain.
- Remaining players queue in order of their rolls.
- The captain and box each roll to start the game (standard backgammon opening).
Rotation
- If the team wins, the captain moves to the back of the queue, and the next player in line becomes captain. The previous captain may become the new box (rules vary by club).
- If the box wins, the team rotation stays the same — the same captain plays again, with the same queue order. The box keeps their position.
Scoring
Each team member pays or receives independently:
- If the game ends as a single, each team member pays/receives 1 stake
- If a gammon, each team member pays/receives 2 stakes
- If a backgammon, each team member pays/receives 3 stakes
- All values multiplied by current cube value
The box wins or loses against each team member separately — so winning a chouette with 4 team members at a 2-cube pays the box 2 stakes × 4 players = 8 units.
Cube Decisions in a Chouette
The doubling cube is where chouettes become especially interesting:
Box Doubles
When the box offers a double, each team member decides independently whether to accept or drop. This is a fundamental chouette rule:
- Some team members may take the cube; others may drop
- Those who drop are out of the game for that hand
- Those who take continue playing
Team Doubles (Captain Doubles)
The captain can offer a double on behalf of the team. Here, the box makes a single accept/drop decision that applies to all team members still in the game.
Consultation on the Cube
In most chouette formats, team members may consult on whether to accept a double from the box. This is allowed because each member has an independent financial stake.
Checker Play and Consultation
Consultation rules vary widely between clubs. Common formats:
| Format | Consultation rules |
|---|---|
| Full consultation | Team members may advise captain on every move |
| No consultation | Captain plays alone; team may not speak |
| Cube-only consultation | Team may only confer on cube decisions |
| ABA rules | Captain controls plays; team may advise only when no illegal play is being considered |
Most club chouettes use some form of consultation, making team strategy a significant factor.
Advanced Chouette Rules
Settlements
Players may settle out of the game before it ends, rather than waiting for the final outcome. Common for team members who want to lock in a position without continuing. Settlements require agreement of all parties involved.
Proxies
A proxy allows a team member who needs to leave temporarily to assign their financial stake to another player.
Automatic Doubles
Some chouettes use automatic doubles — if both sides roll the same number to open, the cube automatically doubles (to 2). This rule must be agreed upon before play.
Beavers
Some money games allow beavers — an immediate re-double when you are doubled. Beavers are less common in chouettes but do exist in some formats.
Chouette Strategy
For the Box
- The box plays against the whole team but makes decisions alone. This is both an advantage (no arguing) and a risk (multiplied losses)
- Be selective about taking the box position — it is high variance
- Strong cube handling is more important than ever, because errors are multiplied across all team members
- When your position is good, double decisively — team members who take will be making a financial mistake
For the Captain
- Use consultation wisely — more voices can help in complex positions
- Be willing to overrule bad advice from team members who are less experienced
- Keep track of which team members have taken or dropped the cube, as this affects decision-making
For Team Members
- Evaluate cube decisions independently based on your own analysis, not just social pressure
- Dropping a marginal take is often correct in chouettes — the box is playing alone, which is a slight disadvantage for the team
- Advise the captain clearly but accept the final decision
Finding a Chouette
Chouettes are the primary format at most backgammon clubs. If you want to experience one:
- Join a local club: Most clubs run chouettes on club nights
- Online chouettes: Some platforms (such as FIBS) support chouette formats
- Informal groups: Any 3+ players with a set can run a chouette with agreed-upon stakes
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players do you need for a chouette?
A minimum of 3 players. Chouettes work well with 3–6 players; more than 6 can become slow and unwieldy.
Does each team member play their own checkers?
No — the team shares one set of checkers, controlled by the captain. Each team member has their own financial stake but does not move checkers independently.
What happens when the box loses?
The captain becomes the new box. The former box moves to the back of the team queue or drops out (depending on house rules).
Can team members disagree with the captain?
In most chouette formats, yes — team members may advise. However, the captain makes the final decision on checker play.
Is there an advantage to being in the box?
Yes and no. The box plays one set of moves, which eliminates internal team disagreement. However, the financial risk is multiplied by the number of players. Strong players often enjoy the box position because their edge is amplified.
Are chouettes played for money?
Typically yes, with agreed-upon stakes per point. Non-money chouettes (for practice or fun) are also common in club settings.
Further Reading
- Backgammon Rules — Standard one-on-one rules
- Doubling Cube Guide — Cube decisions, which matter even more in chouettes
- Match Play Rules — The other major competitive format
- Backgammon Etiquette — Club play standards
- Backgammon Tournaments — Where to compete