August 19th, 2008

Cribbage the Online Card Game

On the surface, Cribbage is a mixture of luck and skill – but there is so much more to this game. Good players win consistently and that is attributable to their ability to analyze various card combinations and execute the proper plays. Occasionally games will be won by sheer luck of the draw. In the long run however, the seasoned player will defeat his lesser skilled opponents by capitalizing on errors and applying accurate discarding technique. Let us review some basic and intermediate strategy.

It is obvious that the dealer should try to discard good cards into his crib whenever possible -and it is so much easier to make these discards when YOU have the Crib. Good judgment is still necessary. The ONLY time a “Natural” hand is split is toward the end of a close game when pegging cards are needed. There are some deals which contain “Partials”. While a hand may not feature a Natural holding – the potential of “filling” the hand with a good “cut” (starter card) is always there. And we do understand that Lady Luck is a big part of this game! Here are a few examples of 6-card hands containing “Partials”.

(a) A-2-3-7-9-J (b) 6-7-8-10-J-K (c) 4-5-6-9-J-Q (d) 2-3-8-9-10-Q (e) 7-7-9-9-Q-K

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.

You can find a good cribbage game happening at the following sites at any time of day or night.

 

These are only some of the selection of online site for playing Cribbage. The best thing about Crib though is that it is especially addictive and fun to play!.