Cribbage for Beginners

Someone slides a board full of tiny holes across the table, deals six cards each and says 'fifteen-two, fifteen-four, and a pair is six.' You nod, and understand none of it. Why are you throwing two cards away? What is the crib, and why does the dealer get it? What are those pegs for, and why did your opponent just score points while you were still playing cards? Cribbage for Beginners is a friendly, step-by-step first course in the classic card and pegboard game. It starts with the board, the deck and the flow of a hand, then teaches counting in small steps: fifteens first, then pairs, runs, flushes and nobs, with many worked example hands until counting becomes automatic. Separate chapters explain pegging during play, the show, and the common counting mistakes that cost points and start arguments. Where most guides give you a page of rules and leave you to fend for yourself, this one adds strategy chapters on what to throw to your own crib and your opponent's, pegging tactics, defensive play and playing to the score, plus honest chapters on three- and four-player games, popular variations, tournament manners and playing online. Simple card diagrams show every hand, and each chapter ends with practice hands and answers you can work out with a pencil and a real deck. The tone is patient and warm, so it works just as well for a grandparent teaching a grandchild as for a couple learning together. Inside, you'll learn: How the board, the deal, the crib and the starter card fit together in one hand A simple scan for finding every fifteen, including the ones made of three or four cards How pairs, pair royals, runs, double runs, flushes and nobs are counted, with worked hands How to count a whole hand in a steady routine and announce it clearly The common counting mistakes, and a quick way to check a score you are unsure about How pegging works: the count to 31, the go, the last card, and pairs and runs while you play What to keep and what to throw to your own crib and your opponent's, plus pegging tactics and score-based play Three- and four-player games, common variations, tournament manners and what to check before playing online The book closes with a one-page scoring summary, a glossary and a blank score log to keep by the board. Pull up a chair, deal the first hand, and learn the game at your own pace.

Imad Muratspahic is an independent author of practical how-to guides, technical handbooks, history and fiction. The books aim to be clear, honest and useful from the first page.