La Poule des Débrouillards

1906 — L’Éducation des Adolescents au XXe Siècle
Félix Alcan, Volume I, p. 153–160

The Resourceful Pool as a Training Method:
“A so called poule des débrouillards is prepared like a regular pool, using the same tables and the same drawing of lots. The only difference is that once the order of matches is established, new drawings are held to determine the nature of each match.”

Context:

• The poule des débrouillards is a competition format explicitly designed to cultivate adaptability.

• Unlike traditional brackets, participants learn the type of match (épée, sabre, pistol, boxing) only moments before competing.

• The randomness compels competitors to display composure, versatility, and quick adjustment — core qualities of a true débrouillard.

Structured Uncertainty:
“Each time, the first of the competitors called will open one of the tickets at random; the words written will decide the form the fight will take.”

Context:

• By introducing real time uncertainty, Coubertin trains decision making under pressure, replicating the unpredictability of real life rather than rewarding rote preparation.

Skill Breadth Over Specialization:
“The pool will include four sword fights, four sabre fights, four pistol fights, three English boxing fights, and three French boxing fights.”

Context:

• Broad skill acquisition across disciplines is emphasized, reinforcing Coubertin’s educational belief in multiform competence rather than narrow specialization.

Scalable to Youth:
“...the principle has immediately been extended and applied even to schoolchildren.”

Context:

• Coubertin makes clear that débrouillardise is intended for all, not just elite athletes. The mindset of versatility, courage, and quick adaptability is to be instilled from a young age.

Key Insight:
Although the word débrouillard appears only in the event title, the entire structure of the poule des débrouillards is a live exercise in training the débrouillard ideal — prioritizing composure, rapid adaptability, and confident execution across shifting challenges.