FAQ
Do I already have to know how to play cribbage before I can play with you all at a Cribbage night?
Yes, you should know how to play before coming to a cribbage event. That being said, you definitely don't have to be a great player to play with us.
If you haven't played at least a dozen or so games of cribbage (playing on your phone counts!), you're not quite ready to join these games. Our cribbage nights are not necessarily designed to teach people how to play cribbage (i.e. per the rules players shouldn't help each other count their hands, etc.) as we collect buy-ins and give payouts; we are in effect somewhat competitive players.
That being said, if you'd like to learn how to play, please come down and ask Dave or Bill to show you how. Normally at least one of us will be available for a game or 2 while the tournament plays out and we would be more than happy to show you the ropes and get you ready to join the fun!
Another great way to learn how to play is on your smartphone. Bill & Dave highly recommend "Cribbage Pro" where you can play against the computer or online against a friend. Once you get the hang of it, be sure to turn on "Count Manually" under Options/Settings so you can improve your game.
How fast should I play?
As fast as you're comfortable with.
At our weeknight cribbage nights we try to play 4 games in 2 hours, so players should aim for 25-minute games to leave a few minutes between rounds to get food & drinks or to use the bathroom.
At our 2nd Saturday ACC/Grass Roots tournaments we play 9 games and hope to finish in 3 hours so we try for 20-minute games.
The important thing to realize is that the whole tournament depends on each and every player’s speed and that the slowest player(s)/game(s) determine when the tournament ends.
How many players can play at a cribbage night?
50.
We have enough boards, pegs, and cards to handle 50 players at our cribbage nights, if there is that much space available at the establishment.
Do I have to/should I help other players count their hand?
Not necessarily.
As stated in the “Tournament Rules” side of the scorecard (also found on our website), there is “No muggins and no one may help you count your hand.” While it’s ultimately up to the players and there’s no penalty imposed, it’s in your best interest not to help your opponent count their hand or point out missed points during play as games are often won by just a few points and final tournament standings are regularly determined by single-digit net point spreads.
That being said, if you’re playing against a new player (their first 4 cribbage nights), then you should consider the "Cribbage Code of Congeniality" which can be found on our homepage. We want to make all new players feel welcome and understand that new players will sometimes miss points and we believe it's a nice idea to help them.
Regardless, players (new or returning) should not imply or insist that their opponent is obligated to count their hands or confirm their points.
How did you guys get into this?
Short answer: Dave wore a cribbage sweatshirt into ColdFire and ordered a beer.
Longer answer: Ask Bill & Dave.
Will you help me set up a cribbage night in my community?
Sure!
Drop us a line at newcribbage@eugenecribbage.com and we'll help you as best as we can!
Would you host a private cribbage Event for a group?
We'd be open to discussion if you had something in mind for a private event. Drop us a line!