In a fast-paced digital age, where interactions often take place through screens, feeds and Facebook,
it's refreshing to find a game that brings people together to sit face to face. For me, that game is cribbage—a classic and timeless game that goes beyond cards, cribs, cuts and counting. It's a game that you can play with friends and family and it's a way to meet other ardent cribbage players. * There are many local grass-roots cribbage clubs that can be found throughout the US, like the one I host in Colorado (NoCo Cribbage Club).
In an era when people spend more time glued to screens than engaging face-to-face, the social benefits of cribbage are rewarding. That's why I love the game cribbage and the social cultivation it brings me. Gathering around a table, shuffling the cards, and pegging the points create a tactile and personal experience that can't be replicated online. The laughter, friendly banter, and moments of intense concentration create an atmosphere that feels authentic and unfiltered. Cribbage involves strategy, social interaction, and analytic thought. It's good for brain health which can even reduce the risk of dementia and depression.
If you're not familiar with cribbage, it's a board game. Actually, it's a card game that uses a board. The board below is something you may find at Walmart.
I'll save my rant about cheap plastic Chinese-made cribbage boards for another time, but invest in a nice or locally made board like this one from Cribbage King (there are lots of talented cribbage board makers to choose from).
The game of cribbage has stood the test of time and dates back to the 17th century when Sir John Suckling of England invented it. European immigrants brought the game to America. Cribbage has been a game of choice in the armed forces, specifically the Navy, since WWII. Sailors played cribbage to pass long stretches of idle time on ships and subs.
In North America, a small but loyal player base can be found in most cities and towns. Those that love the game relishes the unique blend of strategy, chance, and one-on-one competition. Cribbage involves math and strategy (associating various card combinations and their probability to score points), but the luck of the draw is a major factor as well. Those with experience playing the game may have an advantage but it's not unusual for a novice player to take out a veteran.
Cribbage is a game that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age or background. Whether you're a seasoned player with decades of experience or a novice who's just learning the ropes, cribbage bridges the generation gap effortlessly. This inclusivity allows for a diverse group of people to come together, share stories, and engage in healthy competition—all within the framework of a single game.
Cribbage has a unique way of turning opponents into friends and friends into affable rivals. The game's scoring system, with its distinct patterns and strategic choices, opens the door to playful competition that never fails to elicit laughter and camaraderie.
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, finding activities that allow us to focus our attention while still connecting with others is a welcomed deviation. The game does demand strategic thinking, calculating potential card combinations, and making split-second decisions. However, these moments of concentration are interspersed with friendly conversations and light-hearted connections.
In a world that can sometimes feel disconnected, it's heartening to remember that the simple act of playing a game can bring people together, create bonds, and enjoy the simple pleasures of a timeless game. If you've never played cribbage (or haven't played in a while) I recommend (re) introducing yourself to the game. You won't regret it.
NOTE: Cribbage can be played one of two ways - kitchen table cribbage (relaxed) or competitive tournament-style cribbage (muggins) where players can steal each other's points points. This blog article was written with "relaxed" cribbage in mind.
Jon Mullett
Cribbage King
* Custom Cribbage Boards
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