fewer by one/one fewer?

[Verona_82]

Hello!

Could anyone please tell me if I can use 'by' in the sentence below?

Actually, any number of people can play the game, but the number of chairs should always be fewer by one. For example, if 10 people play, there should be 9 chairs provided.


Can I replace this 'by one' structure with the following one:

...but the number of chairs should always be one fewer?

Thank you in advance!

[2006]

Hello!

Could anyone please tell me if I can use 'by' in the sentence below? You need "by" there.
Actually, any number of people can play the game, but the number of chairs should always be fewer by one.

Can I replace this 'by one' structure with the following one: yes

...but the number of chairs should always be one fewer?

Thank you in advance!

2006