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What is Cribbage?
Cribbage is a classic card game that combines elements of card play, strategy, and arithmetic. Invented in the early 17th century by English poet Sir John Suckling, Cribbage has remained popular for over 400 years. The game is known for its unique scoring system using a cribbage board with pegs, making it instantly recognizable. Cribbage is traditionally played by two players, though variations exist for three or four players.
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How to Play Cribbage
The Basics
Cribbage uses a standard 52-card deck and a cribbage board for scoring. The game is played to 121 points, with players advancing pegs around the board to track their score. Each hand consists of dealing, discarding to the "crib," pegging points during play, and counting hands.
Game Flow
- Deal: Each player receives 6 cards. Both players discard 2 cards face-down to form the "crib" (dealer's extra hand).
- The Cut: Non-dealer cuts the deck to reveal the "starter" card, which is used in scoring all hands.
- The Play (Pegging): Players alternate playing cards, announcing the running total. Score points for making 15, pairs, runs, and reaching 31.
- The Show: After all cards are played, count points in your hand, then the crib (dealer only), using the starter card.
- Winning: First player to reach or exceed 121 points wins!
Scoring During Play (Pegging)
- Fifteen (2 pts): Playing a card that makes the count exactly 15
- Pair (2 pts): Playing a card of the same rank as the previous card
- Three of a Kind (6 pts): Playing the third card of the same rank in a row
- Four of a Kind (12 pts): Playing the fourth card of the same rank in a row
- Run (1 pt per card): Playing a card that forms a sequence of 3+ cards (order doesn't matter)
- 31 (2 pts): Playing a card that makes the count exactly 31
- Go (1 pt): When opponent cannot play without exceeding 31
- Last Card (1 pt): Playing the final card of the hand
Scoring Hands (The Show)
- Fifteen (2 pts each): Any combination of cards totaling 15 (face cards = 10, Ace = 1)
- Pair (2 pts): Two cards of the same rank
- Three of a Kind (6 pts): Three cards of the same rank
- Four of a Kind (12 pts): Four cards of the same rank
- Run (1 pt per card): Three or more cards in sequence (suits don't matter)
- Flush (4-5 pts): All cards in hand same suit (5 pts if starter matches too)
- Nobs (1 pt): Jack in hand matching the suit of the starter card
- Nibs (2 pts): Dealer scores 2 if starter card is a Jack (scored immediately after cut)
Strategy & Tips
Discarding to the Crib
- Your Crib: Discard cards that work well together (5s, pairs, cards that make 15). The crib is yours to count!
- Opponent's Crib: Discard cards that don't combine well (avoid 5s, avoid cards close in rank). Minimize their crib points.
- Balancing: Don't sacrifice your hand too much just to help/hurt the crib. Your hand is counted first.
- Keep Flexibility: Cards like 7s and 8s are versatile for making runs and fifteens.
Pegging Strategy
- Lead with 4s: Opponent can't make 15 (max they can play is 10, making 14)
- Avoid leading 5s: Opponent easily makes 15 with any face card or 10
- Trap with pairs: If you have a pair, lead one. If opponent pairs it, you score 6 with the triplet!
- Count carefully: Always know the current count and what cards can be played safely
- Save high cards: Keep 10s and face cards for later to avoid giving opponent easy pegging points
- Control the count: Try to be the one to say "Go" to score the extra point
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Miscounting hands (practice finding all combinations of 15)
- Forgetting to count the starter card in your hand
- Leading with 5s during pegging
- Putting good cards in opponent's crib
- Not tracking opponent's score (watch for them "pegging out" to win)
Interesting Cribbage Facts
- Royal Origins: Invented by Sir John Suckling around 1630, derived from the earlier game "Noddy"
- Perfect 29: The highest possible hand score is 29 points (J-5-5-5 with 5 starter of same suit as Jack)
- Muggins Rule: In some variations, if you don't claim all your points, opponent can call "Muggins!" and take them
- Military Tradition: Cribbage has been popular in the Royal Navy and submarine crews for centuries
- Tournament Play: The American Cribbage Congress organizes official tournaments with standardized rules
- Skunk Lines: Winning before opponent reaches 91 (skunk) or 61 (double skunk) is considered extra impressive
- Mathematical Game: There are over 12 million possible cribbage hands!
Advanced Techniques
Positional Play
Pay attention to the score! If you're ahead near the end, play defensively to prevent opponent from pegging out. If you're behind, take more risks to maximize your pegging opportunities.
Counting Opponent's Hand
Watch what cards your opponent plays during pegging. This gives you clues about their hand composition and helps you estimate their likely score during the show.
Dealer Advantage
The dealer has a significant advantage because they get the crib. On average, the dealer scores about 4-5 more points per hand than the non-dealer. Use this knowledge to adjust your strategy based on position.
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