“Calling shotgun” is a classic game that can take the form of innocent dibs or intense competition. Whether you use it to invoke fairness or simply like to try to defeat your friends every time you’re headed to the car, shotgun is fun and easy to play.

Origin

Rumors are that the term “riding shotgun” comes from the Old West when people would sit next to the wagon driver while holding a shotgun and protecting the coach. This is true — for the most part. However, the shotgun-wielding men would ride on top of the coaches to protect the wagon. Imagine how great your car insurance rates would be if you could scare off bad drivers with your shotgun-wielding passengers?

It’s unclear when the term first came into existence, though. The author of the “Riding shogun” entry on phrases.org.uk says the earliest reference of someone calling shotgun in real life was in The Ogden Examiner in 1919: “Ross Will Again Ride Shotgun on Old Stage Coach.”

Rules

Calling shotgun means calling dibs on the front passenger seat of a vehicle. The most basic, well-known rule is that whoever says it first gets to claim that seat for the ride (though it doesn’t usually include the ride back). According to shotgunrules.com, restrictions can get a little more detailed:

• The word “shotgun” must be heard by at least one other participant.
• You must be finished with your “deed” before you can call shotgun.
o For example, leaving your house, leaving the mall, etc.
• The deed usually starts when you leave the building the deed took place in.

Some random rules include that if a significant other of the driver is involved, he or she automatically gets the right to sit up front. Also, if two people call shotgun at the same time, they must break the tie with Rock, Paper, Scissors.

Tips

If you want to be the master of the passenger’s seat, make sure to hone your skills and develop new tactics. Wait, you’re thinking, how can you actually train to play Shotgun? Oh, it’s possible, if you’re serious enough about it.

First, because different people may have various ideas of what the rules are, establish a set of guidelines with people you usually drive with. Don’t let arguments and confusion later ruin the fun.

Second, don’t get too angry or too competitive. If you’re angering your competition, they’ll be more likely to try to call Shotgun first just because they want to spite you.

And third, develop Rock, Paper, Scissors strategy, as this is often the way ties are broken and you can come out on top when draws occur.

Conclusion

Now that you’re an expert on Shotgun, inform your friends and family and tell them to prepare for some serious competition. Just make sure you think about what rules you want to implement. Are there any other awesome rules you use that I didn’t mention?