History and Basics
History
Cribbage is one of the earliest and most enduring of the Classic Card Games. Although there is some
myth as to the origin of the game, its creation is generally credited to an Englishman, Sir John
Suckling (1609-1642). Cribbage was known as "Noddy" prior to the modification of the rules by Sir
John. He was a very wealthy man, inheriting a small fortune at the age of eighteen. Travels throughout
Europe helped to broaden Sir John's repertoire, and he was regarded as the foremost cardplayer of his
time. In 1630, he was knighted by the King, but fell from grace several years later.
In 1641, he was involved in a conspiracy to save a friend who was jailed in the Tower of London.
The plan failed and Sir John had to flee England for the Continent. Unable to return to his beloved
country, he ended his life a year later, at the age of 33. The game of Cribbage is his legacy.
Rules
The Rules of the game are quite simple, and can be mastered in 30 minutes. I suggest strongly that you
refer to any of several outstanding texts on the game or the Internet Site (www.pagat.com) The most popular
variation of the game is two-handed, although partnership and 3-handed formats have many devotees.
All that is required is a standard 52-card deck and a Cribbage
board. (Score can also be kept manually with a pencil and paper if a board is not available.)
The object of the game is to be the first player to score 121 points (4 streets plus one point on a
standard board). Cards are ranked from the Ace (low) in order to the King (high). Players "cut"
cards to determine the first dealer (low card wins). Each player receives six cards, alternately.
The "Crib":
Each player selects two of his six cards, and discards them face down to the dealer's
right. The dealer does the same, and these four cards form an extra hand. As the deal alternates,
the Crib does the same. The player who wins the first Crib has an advantage, but this may be offset
later on the game if the score is close.
The Starter:
When the Crib has been completed and put away for the dealer's later use, the other
player now cuts the undealt deck and that card is placed face-on top of the pack. (A cut of a Jack
results in a bonus of two points for the dealer).
The Play:
The non-dealer selects any card from his hand and places said card face up on the table -
announcing it value. Face cards are tens, spot cards are numercially valued, and the Ace is always
one. Play alternates one card at a time. The total can never exceed 31; otherwise his opponent
scores one point for a "go". Points are scored rapidly in various combinations including
fifteens, pairs, runs, etc. (See table below). When the hand is played out, its value
(including the starter card) is pegged for each player. (The non-dealer always has the first count.)
Then the dealer counts his hand and his crib in succession.
|
SCORING VALUES |
|---|
|
One Pair | 2 Points |
|
"Fifteens" | 2 Points |
|
Three of a Kind | 6 Points |
|
Three of a Kind | 6 Points |
|
Runs of three or more cards |
1 Point (for each card) |
|
Four of a Kind |
12 Points |
|
Flush (4 cards in same suit) |
4 Points |
|
Flush (5 cards in same suit) |
5 Points |
|
Jack of same suit as Starter (Nibs) |
1 Point |
Of course, there are many elaborate combinations involving double three and four card runs,
as well as triple runs, and quadruple runs. Remember fifteens are the result of any card
combinations adding up to fifteen at the time. And reaching the exact total of 31 during
the play of the hand results in a 2 point bonus. There is a lot of action during the play of
every hand!
There are many scoring combinations with five cards during the counting phase of the hand. A lot of
solid 4-card hands are dramatically improved by the Starter card. However, experience has shown
that the player who pegs consistently and discards correctly wins more often than the player who
relies on the luck of the deal or "cuts". Some of the more common hands (including the starter)
are listed below:
|
FIVE CARDS | TOTAL POINTS |
|
1-4-4-4-10 |
12 Points |
|
2-2-4-9-9 |
12 Points |
|
3-3-6-9-9 |
14 Points |
|
J-Q-Q-Q-K |
15 Points |
|
1-1-2-2-3 |
16 Points |
|
2-2-3-3-4 |
16 Points |
|
3-4-4-4-5 |
17 Points |
|
5-5-J-Q-K |
18 Points |
|
6-6-7-7-8 |
20 Points |
|
7-7-7-8-8 |
20 Points |
|
4-5-6-6-6 |
21 Points |
|
7-7-8-8-9 |
24 Points |
Then there is the "Grand Daddy" of them all, the 29 (highest) hand possible - four fives and the
right Jack!
Cribbage is a terrific, fast paced game with lots of strategy and technique. In future columns we
will explore the skill aspects of the game.
In the meantime, keep on playing!
- Joe Andrews
