Understanding Chouette Rules

Jennifer · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 17

Greetings. I am a keen chouette player and consider myself quite knowledgeable about the game in general. However, two situations came up the other day that I was not so sure about how to handle. What are the rules relating to the following?

a. Are players allowed to take a pen and paper to make calculations during the game?
b. Can observers to the game make comments regarding the RULES of chouette? I am aware that spectators can’t speak in general but if there is a dispute between the two players about the rules of the game, surely a spectator could shed some light if he or she knows the game?

Stack · Joined: 14 Jun 2007 Posts: 24

Greetings.
Firstly, you are probably aware that while chouette has the basic rules pertaining to it, there are variants to the game. The answer therefore would depend on the version that is being played between the two opponents.
In general, however, I would say that the obvious answer to (a) – unless the game is being played with a really unique set of rules - is that no pencils and paper are allowed. In the same vein, computers, textbooks and calculators are also not allowed. Of course, there is nothing stopping players counting on their fingers. In reply to (b), the general rule is that anybody – whether in or out of the game – can comment on the legal plays within the game. There are also some backgammon clubs that allow spectators to make specific comments regarding illegal moves in the game. Of course, basic backgammon etiquette should be observed and comments should not divert the players’ attention from their game too much.