Backgammon is
generally played by two people, but it
can also be played by three or more..
This type of game is called a chouette.
At the outset, each member throws a
dice; the one who throws the highest
becomes the man in the box. The one
with the next highest throw becomes
the captain, who will play for all the
others taking part.
The man in the box continues to
play until he loses a game to the
captain, who himself will then become
the 'man in the box'. The order of
play is always determined by the
initial throw, the highest always
taking precedence.
The man in the box plays on his own
and scores separately against each of
his opponents. The captain may consult
his team on any question regarding his
manner of play, but he is the final
judge and can ignore any proffered
suggestions. It is not considered good
etiquette to interfere with the
captain's decision as to how a
particular roll should be played, and
silence, though frustrating, is
generally advocated. On no account may
anyone other than the captain or the
person in the box move the men.
Any member of the team has the
right to decline or accept a double,
irrespective of the captain's
decision. In the event of his refusal,
he merely forfeits his stake to the
man in the box and the game continues.
If, however, the captain declines a
double offered by the man in the box,
any or all of the team members may
accept it. The highest ranking as
previously determined by the dice will
then play on behalf of the others
until the game is over. Those players
who have refused the double may not
from that moment partake in any aspect
of the game.
There are some variations on this
standard play. For instance, each
member may have his own doubling dice
which he can offer without committing
any other member of the team to the
man in the box. If the captain insists
on offering doubles when half or fewer
than half of the members object, then
they may withdraw from the game
entirely and the man in the box can
insist that the captain take over all
their commitments.
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