Cribbage is primarily a game for two players, though it may also be played
by three, or even four persons; in the latter case, two playing against
two, as at Whist. Of the two-handed game there are three varieties, known,
from the number of cards dealt to each player, as "five-card," "six-card,"
and "seven-card" cribbage. The number of points to be made in the first
case is 61; in the second, 121; and in the third, 181. If the loser has
made less than half the specified number of points, he is "lurched," and
pays double the agreed stake.
[Illustration: Cribbage Board.]
The score is marked by means of pegs of ivory or bone, on a special board,
as depicted above. It will be observed that there is on either side of the
board a double row of holes, thirty in each, divided, for convenience in
counting, into sets of five. The board is placed cross-wise between the
players, and {35} both start from the same end (which should be that to the
left of the first dealer), each travelling up the outer and down the inner
row (once round in the "five-card," twice in the "six-card," and thrice in
the "seven-card" game), terminating with the "game-hole" at the end from
which they started. In scoring, the hinder peg for the time being is
advanced the requisite number of points beyond the foremost.
We will commence with the five-card game.
The pack of fifty-two cards is used, and the players cut for deal, the
lowest dealing. For this and for "sequence" purposes, the cards rank in
regular order from ace (lowest) up to king (highest), but in counting court
cards count as tens.
The pack having been shuffled, the non-dealer cuts, and his opponent deals,
one at a time, five cards to each player. Meanwhile the non-dealer scores
three holes, known as "three for last," and regarded as a set-off for the
advantage of first deal. The undealt portion of the pack is placed face
downwards between the players. Each player now "lays out" two of his cards
(placed face downwards to the right hand of the dealer) to form what is
called the "crib." The principles which govern the "lay out" will be
discussed later.
The crib having been laid out, the non-dealer cuts, by lifting off the
upper half of the pack. The dealer turns up the card left uppermost and
places it on the top of the pack. This card is known as the "start." Should
it chance to be a knave, the dealer is entitled to "two for his heels," and
scores two points.
The score depends partly upon the course of play, {36} and partly upon the
player's holding certain combinations of cards. These latter are scored at
the close of the hand.