[1] Some sources suggested that the name originated in the fact that a counter that was 'hit' had to be returned (retourner) to the box (case) or trictrac table.

However, Fallavel suggests it is more likely to mean 'point of three', referring to the final point on which a player must place three counters in order to win.

The lower numbers are more likely to occur than the higher ones and it is therefore more difficult to move bring a man to the home point than if a single die were used.

Movement is subject to the following restrictions: It is compulsory to play if possible, but if no move can be made, it is forfeited and the turn passes to the opponent.

Lêchalet (1979) publishes a variant under the name La Course en Ligne Droite ("Straight Line Race") with the following differences:[5]