How to Play Cribbage: A Beginner's Guide
Cribbage is a classic card game that has been enjoyed by millions of people for centuries. It is a game of skill, strategy, and luck that can be played by two, three, or four players. Whether you are new to cribbage or want to refresh your knowledge, this guide will help you learn the basics of how to play cribbage, from the rules and scoring to the tips and variations.
What is Cribbage?
Cribbage is a card game that originated in England in the 17th century. It is derived from an older game called noddy, which also used a special scoring board. Cribbage is one of the few card games that can be legally played in pubs and clubs in Britain without requiring local authority permission. It is also very popular in North America, especially in the northern states and Canada.
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The History and Popularity of Cribbage
According to legend, cribbage was invented by the English poet Sir John Suckling, who was also a notorious gambler and cheat. He allegedly created the game as a way to win money from his unsuspecting opponents. However, some historians believe that cribbage evolved from an earlier game called costly colours, which also used a scoring board and had similar rules.
Cribbage has remained a popular game throughout the centuries, thanks to its simple yet elegant design and its endless possibilities for strategy and variation. It has been featured in many literary works, such as Charles Dickens' The Old Curiosity Shop, Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island, and W. Somerset Maugham's Of Human Bondage. It has also been played by many famous people, such as Winston Churchill, George Washington, John Adams, Abraham Lincoln, Mark Twain, Alfred Hitchcock, Stephen King, and Barack Obama.
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The Objective and Features of Cribbage
The objective of cribbage is to be the first player to score a target number of points, typically 61 or 121. Points are scored for making various combinations of cards that add up to 15 or 31, form pairs or runs or flushes, or have certain values or ranks.
Cribbage has several distinctive features that make it unique among card games:
The cribbage board: This is a wooden board with holes for pegs that are used to keep track of the score. The board has four rows of 30 holes each, divided into two pairs of rows by a central panel. There are also four extra holes near one end for marking games won. Each player has two pegs of the same color that move along the board as points are scored.
The crib: This is an extra hand of four cards that belongs to the dealer for each round. The crib is formed by discarding two cards from each player's hand before play begins. The crib is hidden until the end of the. the left of the dealer cuts the deck and reveals the top card. This card is called the starter card, the cut, or the flip. It is placed face up on top of the deck and used as a fifth card for both players' hands and the crib.
If the starter card is a jack, the dealer immediately scores two points for his or her heels. This is also called two for his nob or nibs. The dealer moves his or her rear peg two holes ahead on the board to indicate the score.
How to Play and Score a Round of Cribbage?
A round of cribbage consists of two phases: the play and the show. In the play, the players take turns playing cards from their hands and pegging points for various combinations. In the show, the players reveal their hands and the crib and score points for different combinations.
How to Play Cards and Peg Points
The player to the left of the dealer starts the play by laying down one card face up on the table and announcing its value. For example, if the player plays a five, he or she says "five". The ace counts as one, and the face cards count as 10. The suits do not matter in this phase.
The next player then plays another card face up on top of the first card and announces the running total of the values of both cards. For example, if the second player plays a six, he or she says "eleven". The play continues clockwise, with each player adding a card to the pile and announcing the new total, until one of these things happens:
The total reaches 31: The last player to play a card that brings the total to exactly 31 scores one point for his or her go and two points for making 31. He or she then moves his or her rear peg three holes ahead on the board. The cards are then turned over and a new play begins with the player to the left of the last player.
No one can play without going over 31: The last player to play a card scores one point for his or her go, and then moves his or her rear peg one hole ahead on the board. The cards are then turned over and a new play begins with the player to the left of the last player.
The play ends when all the cards have been played. The player who played the last card scores one point for his or her go, unless the total is 31, in which case he or she scores two points. The player then moves his or her rear peg accordingly on the board.
During the play, the players can also score points for making certain combinations of cards, such as pairs, runs, and fifteens. These points are pegged immediately by moving the rear peg ahead of the front peg on the board. The combinations and their points are as follows:
A pair: If a player plays a card that is the same rank as the previous card, he or she scores two points for a pair. For example, if a player plays a five after another five, he or she says "pair for two" and moves his or her rear peg two holes ahead.
A pair royal: If a player plays a card that is the same rank as the previous two cards, he or she scores six points for a pair royal (also called a triplet or three of a kind). For example, if a player plays a five after two fives, he or she says "pair royal for six" and moves his or her rear peg six holes ahead.
A double pair royal: If a player plays a card that is the same rank as the previous three cards, he or she scores 12 points for a double pair royal (also called a quadruplet or four of a kind). For example, if a player plays a five after three fives, he or she says "double pair royal for 12" and moves his or her rear peg 12 holes ahead.
A run: If a player plays a card that forms a sequence of three or more cards with the previous cards, he or she scores one point for each card in the run. The cards do not have to be in order, but they must be consecutive ranks. For example, if a player plays a seven after a five and a six, he or she says "run of three for three" and moves his or her rear peg three holes ahead. If another player plays an eight after that, he or she says "run of four for four" and moves his or her rear peg four holes ahead.
A fifteen: If a player plays a card that makes the total value of the cards 15, he or she scores two points for fifteen. For example, if a player plays a nine after a six, he or she says "fifteen for two" and moves his or her rear peg two holes ahead.
If more than one combination is made by playing a card, all the points are scored and pegged. For example, if a player plays an eight after a seven, a six, and a four, he or she says "fifteen for two, and a run of four for four, and a pair for two" and moves his or her rear peg eight holes ahead.
How to Score Hands and the Crib
After the play is over, the show begins. The players reveal their hands and score points for different combinations, using the starter card as a fifth card. The non-dealer (or the pone) shows and scores his or her hand first, followed by the dealer. The dealer then shows and scores the crib. The points are pegged in the same way as in the play.
The combinations and their points are the same as in the play, except for the following:
A flush: If all four cards in a player's hand are of the same suit, he or she scores four points for a flush. If the starter card is also of the same suit, he or she scores five points for a flush. However, in the crib, only a five-card flush counts, and it scores five points.
His nobs: If a player has a jack of the same suit as the starter card in his or her hand, he or she scores one point for his nobs (also called his nibs or one for his nob). This point is scored separately from any other combination.
The highest possible score for a hand or a crib is 29, which can only be achieved by having a jack of the same suit as the starter card, and three fives of different suits. The jack scores one point for his nobs, and each five scores two points for fifteen with the jack, two points for fifteen with each other five, and six points for a pair royal with the other fives. The total is 1 + 6 + 6 + 6 + 6 + 4 = 29.
How to Win a Game of Cribbage?
The game of cribbage is usually played until one player reaches a target score of 61 or 121, depending on the length of the game agreed upon by the players. The first player to reach or exceed the target score wins the game.
How to Reach the Target Score
The players keep track of their scores by moving their pegs along the cribbage board. Each player has two pegs that leapfrog each other as points are scored. The front peg shows the current score, and the rear peg shows the previous score. The pegs move from left to right across the board, and then up to the next row. The rows are marked with numbers to indicate the cumulative score. For example, the 30th hole in the first row is also marked with 30, and the first hole in the second row is also marked with 31.
The target score is usually marked with a pin or a skunk line on the board, to show how far the players have to go. The player who reaches or passes the target score first wins the game and moves his or her pegs to one of the game holes at the end of the board. If both players reach the target score in the same round, the player with the higher score wins. If both players have the same score, the game is a tie and no one wins.
How to Avoid Being Skunked or Double-Skunked
In cribbage, there is a special rule that adds more challenge and excitement to the game. This rule is called the skunk rule, and it applies when one player wins by a large margin over the other player.
If the loser's score is less than 91 when the game ends, he or she is skunked, and the winner scores two games instead of one. If the loser's score is less than 61 when the game ends, he or she is double-skunked, and the winner scores three games instead of one.
Being skunked or double-skunked is considered a humiliating defeat in cribbage, and it should be avoided at all costs. To prevent being skunked or double-skunked, a player should try to keep up with his or her opponent's score, and avoid making risky or careless moves that could result in losing points.
How to Vary and Improve Your Cribbage Game?
Cribbage is a game that can be played in many different ways, depending on the number of players, the length of the game, and the level of skill and strategy involved. Here are some ways to vary and improve your cribbage game:
How to Play with More Than Two Players
Cribbage can be played by three or four players, either as individuals or as partners. The rules are mostly the same as for two players, except for the following:
Three players: Each player is dealt five cards, and each player discards one card to the crib. The crib belongs to the dealer, who also cuts and reveals the starter card. The play and the show are done in the same way as for two players, with each player playing one card at a time and scoring points for combinations. The dealer scores his or her hand and the crib last. The game is usually played to 121 points.
Four players: The players form two teams of two partners each, sitting across from each other. Each player is dealt five cards, and each player discards one card to the crib. The crib belongs to the dealer's team, who also cuts and reveals the starter card. The play and the show are done in the same way as for two players, with each player playing one card at a time and scoring points for combinations. The partners share the same score and move their pegs together on the board. The dealer's team scores their hands and the crib last. The game is usually played to 121 points.
How to Apply Basic Strategy and Tips
Cribbage is a game that requires both skill and luck, and there are many factors that can influence the outcome of a game. However, there are some basic strategies and tips that can help you improve your chances of winning, such as:
Counting cards: This is a skill that involves keeping track of the cards that have been played or discarded, and using this information to estimate the probability of certain cards or combinations appearing in the play or the show. Counting cards can help you decide which cards to play or discard, and how to score your hand or the crib. For example, if you know that most of the high cards have been played, you can play low cards to avoid going over 31 or making fifteens. Or, if you know that most of the low cards have been discarded, you can keep high cards in your hand or the crib to make more points.
Discarding cards: This is a skill that involves choosing which two cards to discard to the crib, depending on whether you are the dealer or the non-dealer. Discarding cards can affect your hand score and your crib score, as well as your opponent's hand score and crib score. As a general rule, you should try to discard cards that are likely to make good combinations with the starter card, such as fives, tens, or pairs. However, you should also consider the following factors:
If you are the dealer, you should try to discard cards that will improve your crib score, since you will score it at the end of the round. You should also try to keep cards that will improve your hand score, since you will score it last and have more chances of winning. For example, you should keep suited cards for a possible flush, or connected cards for a possible run.
If you are the non-dealer, you should try to discard cards that will reduce your opponent's crib score, since he or she will score it at the end of the round. You should also try to keep cards that will improve your hand score, since you will score it first and have more chances of catching up. For example, you should keep cards that are close to 15 or 31, or cards that can make pairs or runs with the starter card.
Playing cards: This is a skill that involves choosing which card to play from your hand during the play, depending on the total value of the cards on the table and the cards remaining in your hand. Playing cards can affect your score and your opponent's score, as well as the outcome of the play. As a general rule, you should try to play cards that will score points for yourself, or prevent your opponent from scoring points. However, you should also consider the following factors:
If you are the first player to play a card, you should try to play a low card, such as a four or a five, to avoid giving your opponent an easy fifteen or a pair. You should also try to play a card that can start a run, such as a six or a seven, to increase your chances of scoring points later.
If you are not the first player to play a card, you should try to play a card that will make a combination with the previous card or cards, such as a pair, a run, or a fifteen. You should also try to play a card that will leave yourself with good cards for the next play, such as cards that are close to 15 or 31, or cards that can make pairs or runs with the starter card.
If you have no card that can make a combination or avoid going over 31, you should try to play a card that will force your opponent to go over 31 or give you an easy go. For example, if the total is 28 and you have no card lower than four, you should play a four and say "32 for two", scoring two points for making 31 and one point for go.
Conclusion
Cribbage is a fun and challenging card game that can be played by anyone who knows how to count and add. It is a game that combines luck and skill, and requires both strategy and tactics. It is also a game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds, as it has a rich history and culture behind it.
If you want to learn how to play cribbage, you can start by following this guide and practicing with a friend or online. You can also join a cribbage club or tournament in your area or online, and meet other cribbage enthusiasts who can teach you more tips and tricks. You can also read more books or articles about cribbage, or watch videos or podcasts about cribbage, to improve your knowledge and skills.
Whatever you do, remember to have fun and enjoy the game of cribbage!
FAQs
Q: How many points do you need to win a game of cribbage?
A: The standard target score for winning a game of cribbage is 121 points, but some players may agree to play to 61 points for a shorter game.
Q: What is the best hand in cribbage?
A: The best hand in cribbage is 29 points, which can only be achieved by having a jack of the same suit as the starter card, and three fives of different suits.
Q: What is the difference between a skunk and a double-skunk in cribbage?
A: A skunk is when one player wins by more than 30 points over the other player, and scores two games instead of one. A double-skunk is when one player wins by more than 60 points over the other player, and scores three games instead of one.
Q: How do you count cards in cribbage?
A: Counting cards in cribbage is keeping track of the cards that have been played or discarded, and using this information to estimate the probability of certain cards or combinations appearing in the play or the show.
Q: How do you play cribbage with more than two players?
A: Cribbage can be played by three or four players, either as individuals or as partners. The rules are mostly the same as for two players, except for the number of cards dealt and discarded, and the ownership of the crib.
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