Cribbage is a popular card game that dates back to the 17th century. It is a game that combines elements of both luck and skill, making it highly engaging and enjoyable for players of all ages. The objective of cribbage is to score points by creating card combinations through a series of rounds. If you’re new to the game, fear not! In this article, we will discuss the basic rules of cribbage to help you get started on your cribbage journey.
To play cribbage, you’ll need a standard 52-card deck and a cribbage board. The cribbage board consists of a series of holes or pegs that are used to keep score throughout the game. The board is divided into two rows of 30 holes each, and the areas where the rows intersect are marked as “game holes.”
The game begins with each player cutting the deck to determine who will deal first. The player with the lowest card becomes the dealer. The dealer shuffles the cards, and the non-dealer cuts the deck. The dealer then distributes six cards to each player, starting with their opponent.
Once the cards are dealt, the non-dealer puts two of their cards face-down into the “crib” – a separate area on the cribbage board. The crib serves as an additional hand for the dealer, who will score it later. After the crib is made, the non-dealer becomes the “cribbage starter” by revealing the top card of the deck and placing it face-up on the table.
The starter card plays a crucial role in cribbage. Any combination of cards that includes the starter can score extra points during gameplay. The players take turns playing cards from their hand and trying to reach a total of 31. Each card played is announced with its numerical value, and players must mentally keep track of the running total. If a player cannot play a card without exceeding 31, they say “Go” and forfeit their turn, allowing the opponent to lay down additional cards.
As the players take turns, they strive to create card combinations that score points. Here are some important combinations to keep in mind:
– Runs: A sequence of consecutively played cards. For example, a 2, 3, 4, 5 would be a run of four cards, scoring four points. A run does not have to be in numerical order; suit does not matter.
– Pairs, triples, and quadruples: When two or more cards of the same value are played consecutively. Two of a kind scores two points, three of a kind scores six points (also known as a “pair royal”), and four of a kind scores twelve points (also known as a “double pair royal”).
– Fifteen: Any combination of cards that adds up to fifteen scores two points. For example, a 7 and an 8 would score two points since 7 + 8 = 15.
– Flush: If all the cards played during a round are of the same suit, the player scores four points for a flush.
After both players have played all their cards, it’s time to score. The dealer counts their hand, including the starter card, and then scores the crib. The non-dealer then scores their hand. Both players move their pegs along the cribbage board to reflect their scores.
When scoring, players should be mindful of the various combinations mentioned earlier. Additionally, players can earn extra points for playing cards that sum to 15 during the gameplay. The last player to play a card that reaches 31 earns an additional point. Points are also awarded for reaching specific holes marked on the cribbage board, known as “game holes.”
The game continues with alternating dealing and play until a player reaches the last space on the cribbage board. Depending on the version of cribbage being played, this could be either 61 or 121 points. The player who reaches or exceeds this point threshold first wins the game.
Cribbage is a strategic and skillful card game that offers hours of entertainment. The combination of luck and skill, along with the counting and strategic thinking involved, keeps players engaged and challenged. With these basic rules in mind, you’re ready to embark on your cribbage journey. Grab a deck of cards, find a cribbage board, and let the games begin!