Discarding to the Crib (Opponent's Deal)
In the last article we reviewed the proper strategy and technique regarding the Crib
when it was your deal. When your opponent has the crib, the task is much
more daunting. The non-dealer is often in a most difficult situation. At
the beginning of a game, taking chances in order to keep a good hand is
sound strategy. As the game progresses, however, the score has a very
strong bearing on the course of action. Close games on 4th street are
the ultimate test of discarding skill, as well as pegging ability. A
good rule of thumb is to play conservatively if you hold a comfortable
lead, and aggressively if you are behind. Remember, one good hand with
a lucky “cut” can often turn a game around. Let us assume you have just
started a new game, or the score is close in the middle of a game. Your
opponent has the crib. Here is a short list of desirable and undesirable
discards.
A. PREFERRED DISCARDS (OPPONENT’S CRIB)
- “High-Low” (2 cards of widely separated values)
Ace, two, three, four, six, seven or eight - AND any face card (K-A, Q-2, J-3, 10-4, J-6, Q-7, K-8, etc.)
- “Middle-Low or Middle-High”
(A-6, A-8, 2-6, 2-7, 3-7, 3-8, 4-8, 4-9)
- “Neutral Pair”
Aces though Kings with the EXCEPTION of a pair of fives.
B. DANGEROUS DISCARDS (OPPONENT’S CRIB)
- Connected or Sequential Cards
(A-2, 3-4, 4-5, 6-7, 7-8, 9-10, J-Q, etc.)
- A pair of fives
- Combinations making fifteen
(7-8, 6-9, Face Card + Five)
Remember, if there is a close score at the end of a game, it may become
necessary to save “pegging” cards in the hand in order to enhance your
chance of going out.
Natural hands (double runs, tens, and dozens) must be kept intact, unless
the aforementioned late game scenario applies.
Now, here is a quick review using a quiz as a study guide.
- You have just started a game. It is the opponent’s crib. What is your
discard for each of these five hands?
- 7-8-10-10-J-Q
- 2-3-4-6-7-8
- 3-3-6-6-10-J
- 4-5-5-6-7-8
- 5-5-7-7-8-9
Answers:
- The double run must be saved. It assures you of eight points and a chance for more (the cut). Discard the 7-8 and hope for the best.
- This one is tricky. The best play is to keep the 2-6-7-8 for a sure seven points and chance for lots more. I do not like throwing a 6-7 into the crib. The 3-4 discard will only hurt if the opponent tosses a pair of deuces or fives and/or the cut is unfavorable. (A good alternative is to toss the 2-4 into the crib).
- Keep the three and sixes for eight points!
- This one is brutal! The best natural hand is 4-5-5-6, with its sure dozen points and overwhelming odds of improvement via the cut. Toss the 7-8. Another interesting strategy, especially in a close game, is to keep 5-5-6-7, while releasing the 4-8.
- Here is another “classic” hand. You must keep the double run for twelve, and let the fives go.
- You are both on 4th street. You need five points to win; your opponent
needs six points. Go back to the five example hands: What is your discard
NOW?
- You must keep your double run, and hope your opponent does not peg out. Lead one of your tens.
- Keep the 2-3-4-8 for better pegging and defensive posibilities. Lead your three - you might get a quick 15!
- Keep the three and sixes anyway to insure eight points. Lead one of your threes.
- This is a toss-up, but I would prefer to keep the 4-5-5-6. (A decent alternative is to keep the 5-5-6-7; however, in this ending, I prefer the first choice). Lead the four and get rid of a five ASAP.
- Break up the run, and keep the 5-7-7-8. You need only six points, and keeping pegging cards is best. Lead a seven.
Remember, you will always have the first lead, and must anticipate what you play after the crib discards have been completed. The play of the hand and pegging will be discussed in the next installment.
- Joe Andrews
