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1993-01-26
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Tips for Playing Cribbage for Beginners
Robert Grosek
After coming across several shareware versions of cribbage, I decided to
learn the game. Memorizing the rules of the game was straight forward, but
I had no game plan to follow when it came to discarding cards from my hand.
The computer repeatedly trounced me. Over time, I learned to maximize the
point value of my hands by following a few simple rules. The following tips
are for beginners to help them feel comfortable in playing cribbage.
I. Discarding to the crib.
In General, first try to preserve existing point combinations (pairs, 15
point combinations, and sequences). Secondly, improve your playing hand by
keeping low cards.
Hold onto double runs and other high scoring card combinations. Although
this advice may seem to be painfully obvious, many beginners often break up
high scoring combinations either to "stiff" the crib or do so in hopes of
getting a favorable turnover card. Neither actions are justified. Sometimes
you may have to give up a 9-6 pair to opponent's crib to preserve an even
better combination in your hand. And good cards in your hand are worth more
than the hope of better cards down the road.
Hold onto your jacks - they may turn "nob" points for you.
┌───────────────────────┐
│ If you are the dealer │
└───────────────────────┘
Discard to favor the crib, not your hand. Unpaired 5's are a good choice
for discard and almost certain to bring home points.
┌───────────────────────────┐
│ If you are the non-dealer │
└───────────────────────────┘
Avoid cribbing a 5 - too easy for your opponent to score 15 with a tenspot
Avoid cribbing cards of the same suit - to prevent your opponent from
scoring a flush
Avoid cribbing two cards in sequence - to prevent your opponent from scoring
a 3 card sequence. Instead, crib two cards that are separated in value.
II. Play
It is best to lead a 4 - no matter what your opponent plays, he cannot reach
15 but will, in turn, put you in position to reach 15.
If a 4 is not available, try playing a tenspot.
In general, avoid playing a 6, 7, 8, or 9 - it is too easy for your opponent
to score a 15. However, . . .
. . . if you have the 7-8 (or the 6-9) pair, go ahead and play either card.
If your opponent plays the mate and scores 15, you will also play the mate
and score a pair. For example, if you have a 7-8 pair, play the 7. If your
opponent plays the 8, he will score 2 points for the 15. But you will also
play an 8 and score 2 points for the pair.
Avoid playing a card that will bring the count to 21. It is too easy for
your opponent to play a tenspot and score 31.
If you lead from a 3 card sequence, play the highest or the lowest card, but
not the middle card. If your opponent plays a card with a value of one-more
or one-less than your card, you have a 50% chance of scoring a sequence. If
you play the middle card, you have no chance of scoring a sequence.
If possible, do not play:
a 6 to bring the count up to 25 or,
a 5 to bring the count up to 26 or,
a 4 to bring the count up to 27 or,
a 3 to bring the count up to 28 or,
a 2 to bring the count up to 29
The reason is simple: if your opponent matches your card, he will score 4
quick points - 2 for the pair and another 2 for 31. Why make things easy
for him.
I hope that these pointers are useful. If your have any comments or
suggestions, please drop a line to me on PC-Plus BBS in Binghamton
(607-785-6876).