My Cribbage Training

Grass Roots Season opens

Last night was the first night of the new Grass Roots season. GR is the networks of clubs that meet weekly for mini tournaments. I like to think of it as practice. It's a chance to take on new challenges or test out ideas on strong opponents.

I didn't do well last night - 6/9, 12, +42(?). I started out great, with two wins (by 28 points each. argh!). But the cards changed, and I couldn't pull it out. The highlight was one player - a very good player - asking me why I led a 5. My hand was 10-j-q-5, his crib. In the past I wouldn't have had the cribbage confidence to explain why; I would have assumed I'd made a mistake. This time I felt confident. I led it to avoid getting stung for several points. Lead a 5, and even if he takes the 15, 75% of the time I'll be able to take back the 2 points. That's what happened here - he led a 10 and I paired it safely.

What could have happened if I had led a face card? He takes the 15. If I pair the 5, I have opened myself up. I'll have to call go no matter what he plays (assuming he doesn't put down an ace for 21, which would be foolish of him to do). If he has 3 5s total in his hand, watch out. He gets 15 (2), triples it for 6, and finally finishes the pack for 12. He has pegged 20 points on me and my slight advantage has turned into a pit. Say he's holding 2-3-4-5. From 20, he puts down the 3. I call go, he plays the 4 for 3, and then the 2 for 5 (run of 4 plus go). 8 unanswered points. Also a bad tradeoff. Sure I get 4 points (3 and 1 for go) when I play. But I've let him outpeg me by 4 precious points! In my scenario, I give away 2 points only 25% of the time, and most likely match his points.

posted by Seachica @ 6:03 AM