Mathematics play an important part in the formulation of many constraints.
All writers work under the minimal constraint, while most also work under the intermediate. The Oulipo's work falls into the maximal category. There are different views on the relation between a constraint and an illustrating text. On the other hand, Le Lionnais argued that the text formulating the constraint was the only one of value. While the Oulipo believe a ludic sense in writing is important, they do not put any value in chance or the concept of inspiration.