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How to Play Cribbage Free Download
Cribbage is a classic card game that has been enjoyed by millions of people for centuries. It is a game of skill, strategy, and luck that can be played by two or more players. If you want to learn how to play Cribbage free download, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will explain what Cribbage is, how to download it for free, and how to play it online. Let’s get started!
What is Cribbage?
Cribbage is a card game that originated in England in the 17th century. It was invented by Sir John Suckling, a poet and gambler who modified an earlier game called Noddy. Cribbage is also known as crib, noddy, or nobs, and it is one of the few card games that uses a board and pegs to keep score.
The history of Cribbage
Cribbage has a long and rich history that spans over four centuries. It was popular among the British aristocracy and military, and it was also played by famous figures such as Charles Dickens, Winston Churchill, and George Washington. Cribbage was also the favorite game of the American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, who wrote a poem about it called “Cribbage”. Cribbage is still widely played today, especially in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
The objective of Cribbage
The objective of Cribbage is to be the first player to reach 121 points by making combinations of cards that add up to 15, run in sequence, or form pairs, triples, or flushes. The game is divided into three phases: the deal, the play, and the show. Each phase has its own rules and scoring methods that we will explain later.
The equipment needed for Cribbage
To play Cribbage, you need a standard 52-card deck, a cribbage board, and two or more players. The cribbage board is a wooden or plastic board with holes arranged in rows of five. There are usually four rows of 30 holes each, plus two extra holes for the game winner. Each player has two pegs that are used to mark their score on the board. The cards are ranked from ace (low) to king (high), with ace worth one point and face cards worth ten points each.
How to Download Cribbage for Free
If you want to play Cribbage on your computer or mobile device, you don’t need to buy any physical equipment. You can simply download one of the many free apps that let you play Cribbage online with other players or against the computer. Here are some of the best apps for playing Cribbage online:
The best apps for playing Cribbage online
- Cribbage Classic: This app is available for Android devices and it offers a realistic and user-friendly interface. You can choose from different settings and modes, such as fast mode, manual counting, discard analyzer, and statistics. You can also play against the computer or challenge another human player online.
- Cribbage | Play it online: This app is available for web browsers and it allows you to play Cribbage online for free without any download or registration. You can play against the computer or invite a friend to join you in a multiplayer game. You can also customize the game rules and difficulty level.
- Cribbage – Offline Card Game: This app is available for Android devices and it lets you play Cribbage offline without any internet connection. You can play against the computer or play with another human player via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. You can also adjust the game speed, sound effects, and card design.
- Cribbage Pro: This app is available for iOS devices and it offers a smooth and fast gameplay. You can play against the computer or join a live online game with other players. You can also track your stats, achievements, and leaderboards. You can also chat with other players and send them emojis.
The benefits of playing Cribbage online
Playing Cribbage online has many benefits, such as:
- Convenience: You can play Cribbage anytime and anywhere you want, as long as you have a device and an internet connection. You don’t need to carry a deck of cards or a cribbage board with you.
- Variety: You can choose from different apps and platforms that suit your preferences and needs. You can also play with different opponents, from beginners to experts, from friends to strangers.
- Learning: You can improve your skills and knowledge of Cribbage by playing online. You can learn from your mistakes, get feedback from the apps, and watch how other players play.
- Fun: You can have fun and enjoy playing Cribbage online. You can challenge yourself, compete with others, and socialize with other Cribbage fans.
How to install and use the apps
To install and use the apps for playing Cribbage online, you need to follow these simple steps:
- Download the app: Go to the app store or the website of the app you want to use and download it to your device. Make sure you have enough space and a compatible device.
- Open the app: Once the app is installed, open it and follow the instructions to set up your account and profile. You may need to enter your name, email, password, and other details.
- Select a mode: Choose whether you want to play against the computer or another human player. If you choose to play with another player, you may need to invite them or join a game room.
- Start playing: After selecting a mode, you can start playing Cribbage online. Follow the rules and scoring system of the app and enjoy the game.
How to Play Cribbage Online
Now that you know how to download Cribbage for free, you may wonder how to play it online. The rules and scoring system of Cribbage are not very complicated, but they may vary slightly depending on the app you use. Here are the basic rules and scoring system of Cribbage that apply to most apps:
The rules of Cribbage
The rules of Cribbage are as follows:
- The deal: Each player is dealt six cards face down. Each player then discards two cards face down to form the crib, which is a separate hand that belongs to the dealer. The crib is used later in the show phase.
- The starter: The non-dealer cuts the deck and reveals the top card, which is called the starter or the cut. This card is placed face up on top of the deck and it counts as part of each player’s hand in the show phase.
- The play: The non-dealer starts by playing one card face up on the table, announcing its value. The dealer then plays one card face up on the table, announcing its value plus the value of the previous card. The players take turns playing one card at a time, adding up their values until they reach 31 or as close as possible without going over. The last player who plays a card without exceeding 31 scores one point for “go” or two points for “31”. The cards are then turned over and a new round of play begins until all cards are played.
- The show: After all cards are played, each player shows their four-card hand (plus the starter) and scores points for various combinations that add up to 15, run in sequence, or form pairs, triples, or flushes. The non-dealer shows their hand first, followed by the dealer. The dealer then shows their crib and scores points for it. The points are pegged on the board using the pegs.
- The game: The game continues until one player reaches 121 points or more on the board. That player wins the game.
The scoring system of Cribbage is based on the following combinations:
| Combination | Points | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | 2 | Any combination of cards that add up to 15, such as 5-5-5, 10-4-A, or 7-8. |
| Pair | 2 | Any pair of cards with the same rank, such as 9-9, Q-Q, or A-A. |
| Triple | 6 | Any three cards with the same rank, such as 6-6-6, K-K-K, or 2-2-2. |
| Quadruple | 12 | Any four cards with the same rank, such as 3-3-3-3, J-J-J-J, or 8-8-8-8. |
| Run | 1 per card | Any sequence of three or more cards in order, such as 4-5-6, 10-J-Q-K, or A-2-3-4. |
| Flush | 4 or 5 | Any four cards of the same suit in the hand (not including the starter), or all five cards of the same suit in the hand and the starter. |
| Nobs | 1 | The jack of the same suit as the starter. |