Multiplayer Backgammon
Backgammon is usually played by two players, but backgammon that is played by more than two players is also available. This version of the backgammon is called the Chouette.
To play Chouette, one player plays the role of the "Box". This player plays against all the other players in a board. The other players are headed by the "Captain" who plays against the box and makes the moves representing the group. If the Captain wins, he (the Captain) becomes the Box and the old Box goes to the end of the line. However, if the Box defeats the Captain, the next player becomes the new Captain and the old Captain goes to the end of the line.
Some variations of the Chouette allow the Captain to seek advice from the players in his group, but in some places, it is forbidden. The compromised version, in which consulting is allowed only after the roll of the die, is popular among many players of Chouette. The Chouette with the multiple cubes is common nowadays, with each player having his own doubling cube and making decisions independent of each other.
There are also multiplayer backgammon games available online in the Internet, although most of these are not of the Chouette variety. These multiplayer backgammon games are similar to tournaments in which many players play against each other until a champion is declared. Many of these backgammon tournaments offer lucrative prizes and can run for several days or even weeks. If you are confident of your backgammon-playing skills, you can give these tournaments a try.
Multiplayer backgammon games in the Internet are set up in such a way that people from various parts of the world can meet in board games and play against each other. Since most backgammon games are played only by two players, other players can still join an existing board game and watch a game in progress. This is a great way to pick up some strategies and tips that you can use in your own play.
If you can find an empty backgammon board, you can even set up your own game and wait for other players to join and challenge you. Or you can join a backgammon board that is set up by another player and who is waiting for an opponent. Always remember to play against players who have similar skill levels and strengths with you. Most online backgammon sites create ratings of each player depending on the number of wins and losses in his record.
Multiplayer backgammon games are fun, even more enjoyable than one-on-one games. Be sure to look for these games when you're online. |
