The games · Coolhand Cards

Cribbage

Six cards, two thrown to the crib, then a shared count to thirty-one and a second count of each hand against the start card. Fifteens, pairs and runs score.

Players: 2
Family: Cribbage
App: Coolhand Cards · iOS and Android, soon

How it goes

Throw two cards face down into the crib, an extra hand that belongs to whoever dealt. Cut a start card: a jack scores whoever dealt two points, known as his heels. The play: one card at a time onto a shared count that may not pass thirty-one, pegging (scoring at once): two for fifteen, two for thirty-one, two for a pair, six for three of a rank, twelve for four, a run its length, and one for the go or the last card. When nobody can play, the count starts again. The show, with whoever dealt counting last: each fifteen or pair scores two, runs their length, a flush four (five with the start card), and one for the jack of the start card's suit, in each hand and then the crib. A hundred and twenty-one wins, the moment you get there.

A good hand

Fives and tens together, pairs, and cards that run. A hand of six, seven, seven, eight with an eight as the start card is a big one, and it takes a while to count. When the crib is yours, throw it cards that score. When it's the other side's, throw it cards that don't, and never a five, which makes fifteen with any ten-card. In the play, lead a card under five so the answer can't make fifteen, answer a ten with a five for two, and keep a small card back for the last of the count.

The usual mistake

Throwing a five into the other side's crib, or leading a five in the play, since any ten-card lands on it for fifteen. Counting a run of four as two runs of three, which claims six for something worth four. And forgetting that whoever dealt counts last: the other hand can reach the finish and win before the crib is ever turned over, however good the crib turned out to be.

Played differently where you are?

Card games change from table to table, and we researched some of these games instead of playing them. If Cribbage goes differently where you play it, tell us. That's one of the things the closed beta is for.

The closed beta is by invitation. How to ask to join.