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Cribbage, anyone?

Ariadne

14:47 / 30.11.03

Help. My dad has asked for a cribbage set for his Christmas, and I'm a bit stumped. I've looked around and seen long rectangular boards, some coloured, some not, and also boards in the shape of a 29.

Does anyone know much about cribbage? what makes a good set? Do I need to buy cards, too? And I expect he'll need some instructions, unless he's kept his cribbage habit secret all these years.

Ariadne

07:34 / 01.12.03

Bumping this up - someone out there must know about cribbage, surely??

Olulabelle

07:56 / 01.12.03

You need a simple rectangular board, with two rows of holes (or tracks) on, and a pack of cards. (Bicycle cards are good.) That's all you really need. There are lots of cribbage boards out there with fancy tracks on but I would start simply. Coloured ones are a bit easier to follow maybe but we've got one like this which works fine.

Ariadne

08:02 / 01.12.03

Oh cool - thanks olulabelle. I'll go out at lunchtime and see what I can find.

Olulabelle

08:03 / 01.12.03

Oh, and most cribbage boards should come with instructions on how to play the game. If it doesn't you can easily buy a book with instructions in, either on Cribbage alone or more usefully an encyclopedia like Penguin's. The version of Cribbage you Dad will want to play is 6 card although in England 5 card is also popular.

Bear

09:43 / 01.12.03

Yeah I'd be for a normal rectangle design, the shaped ones are pretty pointless. I nice wooden one would be a good choice, with metal pegs and a nice deck of cards.

Cribbage Rocks!

captain piss

16:11 / 01.12.03

Bloody hell- I didn't think they still played that. Sounds like something out of the Broons .

pointless and uncalled for

16:29 / 01.12.03

I know how to play cribbage and would be able to help you shop for a good set.

The one in the shape of a 29 is referencing the highest scoring hand you can get (not including a box).

Quick tips are that you get one that matches your dads character and has at least six metal pins (plastic breaks too easy). I could also teach you how to play to the level where you could offer some competition.

Bear

17:50 / 01.12.03

Ah the great Barbelith Cribbage championship, you could also download Criggabe Championship from the net for practice, best version I've seen and free too.

Did you find anything today Ariadne?

Ariadne

21:01 / 01.12.03

Yes I did! I'm really chuffed. I called the London Chess Centre, because they were lovely the one time I was in there, and they recommended a fab shop called Playing Games on Museum Street, next to The Plough -- odd that I'd never noticed it. So I've got a really nice board that folds out, and has a space for the card deck and some instructions. Thanks everyone! And Seldom Killer - we'll see how we go, and sign up for lessons with you if need be! Should be fun learning, anyway.

angel

23:05 / 01.12.03

Ariadne that's really weird, because two of my friends (via invisible_al) have worked there. I didn't notice this thread or I would have replied earlier.

Glad you found what you needed anyway!

rakehell

01:47 / 03.12.03

Most of the Cribbage programs offer either an online or IP PvP option. Though nothing bets the feeling of cards in your hand, sometimes it's easier to learn from a program which automatically counts - and thus picks up things you may miss - and has an adjustable difficulty - unlike most friends.

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