
- BGG rank
- BGG #11,115
- BGG rating
- 5.9
Cosmic Cows
- 2 players
- 30 min
- Complexity 1.1/5
- 2001

2003
Rules assistance for Chekov
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.

What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
Chekov is a board game released in 2003 for 2–3 players, 20 minutes per game, and ages 8 and up. It was designed by Maureen Hiron and its main mechanics are Dice Rolling and Paper-and-Pencil.
From the box: "Roll the dice and pick two to form a two-digit number. Then circle on the score pad. This strategic game of 3 in a row may sound simple, but do you have what it takes to cleverly select the best numbers to circle, while blocking out your opponent? Quick, fun and easy to learn, this exciting dice game will have everyone clamoring for more!" The basics: The game is packaged in a metal tin with dice, a score pad, 3 colored pencils and rules. Each player takes a different colored pencil and on their turn rolls the 3 dice. They can choose 2 of the dice to form a 2-digit number and circle that number on the score pad. Three in a row will score. The game provides a great balance of offense and defense as players strategically decide which number is best to choose for the best score or the best block.
Chekov supports 2–3 players according to the catalogue. This range comes from the publisher’s listed player count, so the game can be set up for any group size within it. Some setups, rules and scoring details may still vary by player count, so check your edition’s rulebook for the exact configuration.
The listed playing time for Chekov is 20 minutes. This is the publisher’s estimate for a full game. The actual duration depends on the group, the player count and familiarity with the rules: first sessions usually run longer, while experienced groups often finish faster. Setup and teaching time are not included in this estimate.
The catalogue lists Chekov for ages 8 and up. This is the publisher’s recommendation and reflects reading demands, rule complexity and small components rather than theme alone. Younger players can often join with help from an adult, so check the age guidance on your edition and consider your group’s experience with board games.
Chekov has a complexity rating of 1.1 out of 5 from BoardGameGeek players, which makes it a light game. The rating reflects how much rules knowledge, planning and decision-making a typical game demands. Expect a longer first teach for heavier games, and use a preparation guide before game night.
Chekov belongs to these categories: Dice and Abstract Strategy. Its main mechanics are Dice Rolling and Paper-and-Pencil. Categories describe the theme and setting of a game, while mechanics describe what players actually do on their turns. Each mechanic links to a catalogue hub with similar games, which helps when you want something comparable.
The credited designers of Chekov are: Maureen Hiron. These credits come from the published game data and name the people responsible for the game’s design, not its illustrators or publishers. Designer pages on MeepleRules collect other titles by the same designers, which helps when you enjoy a game and want to find similar ones.
The catalogue lists Chekov as a base game. It can be played on its own with the components in the box and does not require any other title. Expansions, if any exist, add new content or rules on top of it and are listed separately in the catalogue with a link back to this base game.