If you are looking for a new card game to try, and you are not familiar with Cribbage yet, stay tuned to find out all about this awesome two-player game people have been playing for decades.
Some may consider Cribbage a rather unusual card game, but that is the exact reason it remained popular and unchanged over years. It is perfect for leisure time and for competitive play and the best thing is – everyone can play Cribbage.
In case you are indecisive about pursuing Cribbage, here are 5 rock solid reasons to help you decide. We can promise you one thing – you will enjoy it.
1. It is simple and accessible
All you need in order to start a game is an opponent and a standard deck of cards. This means you can play anywhere, in the comfort of your home or at the park. Also, you don’t have to worry about time, since each round takes from 15 to 30 minutes, and setting up does not take any extra time.
The concept of the game is to build combinations that add up to your score and the first one to score 121 points wins. There are several rules for scoring, but once you get a grip on them, you are good to go. Figuring out all the rules won’t take ages and once you play a few rounds, you will understand the game and switch to performing strategies or simply play a relaxing game to pass some time.
All of this makes Cribbage a quick-fix and fast-paced game. You can master the strategies and analyze opponents or you can play a simple game with no commitments. Perfect, right?
2. It is universal
There is a huge age and experience gap between you and your Cribbage opponent? Not a problem. People of all ages can have the same chances of winning and the rules are easy for everyone to understand.
Cribbage might be a perfect go-to activity while gathering different generations and spending some fun and quality time with your family.
In case you enjoy playing card games with your seniors, chances are they are already familiar with the game. This can also be a great brain exercise for them since it will help keep their minds sharp.
Also, this can be a great learning exercise for youngsters. Learning how to calculate and spot combinations and act fast in this fast-paced game will not only bring excitement but will also improve cognitive skills and brain functions.
3. It can be tailored to players’ preferences
Casual is one way to play a game of Cribbage. It can be a relaxing activity that does not require a deep and thorough commitment. Simply take out the deck, shuffle it, and test your luck without strategizing.
On the other hand, you can get serious, have a battle, and do everything you can to beat your opponent. You can master Cribbage skills with time and practice and only an experienced player will be able to make good decisions and recognize situations suitable for performing the right moves.
So in case you want to understand the depth of the game and you thrill from outperforming your opponent, practice can make you a perfect Cribbage player.
4. It is different
Cribbage has a unique set of rules which make the game more interesting and unusual compared to others.
For example, it may seem odd that one player gets to score points from the crib while the other does not have this opportunity. This big advantage or disadvantage (depending on your position) is uncommon among card games but it brings a certain excitement and thrill to the game.
When you get used to this, you see this dynamic makes the game interesting, especially in the final stages of the game.
5. It can involve complicated strategies and tactics
If you are a fan of mastering and learning how things work, Cribbage should become your new hobby. There is so much room for calculations and analysis of the gameplay or opponents.
In case you are playing with the same people repeatedly, you will keep track of their moves and strategies. Once you have analyzed your opponent, it is time to use tactics that will beat and outplay theirs. But, be careful, others may also see through your play. Therefore, it is good to change strategies and throw off opponents with some uncommon play.
When it comes to game strategies, there are so many aspects of the game to consider. First, the game feels like a race, since we accumulate the score over many rounds. It is important to consider the time factor.
Also, each hand is an individual battle and you must remain focused at the moment. Each time cards are dealt you start over, so be sure not to mix it up with cards that have been played in the previous round.
All of this can be fun if you are into game strategies, but wait until you get to scoring tactics. That is where the real fun is. There are many occasions to score some points and there are different ways to do it. You must make the most of the cards you have in your hand while being aware of opponents’ moves, your role in a round, and the crib.
Any card or board game is a source of great entertainment, but it can also be a way of practicing your skills and mastering strategies. If you enjoy playing these types of games, remember everything you know so far and apply it to the game of Cribbage.
The best thing is the rewarding feeling you get at the end of every game. It does not matter if you lost but learned something new or won because of excellent performance, the satisfaction you can receive from playing a game of Cribbage is inevitable.
