In keeping with the spirit of the other columns for this month, I have decided to review the Endgame in Cribbage. The term is borrowed from the game of Chess. It indicates the stage of play when most of the "heavy" pieces have been exchanged and the board is relatively clear. The combatants now maneuver for positional play, especially if material is relatively equal.
In Cribbage, the Endgame applies to the situation when both players are approaching or have reached the top of "Fourth Street" (the last 30 points on the board). If there is less than a five point difference, the jockeying for position will now begin. Pegging will now be at a premium, and a conservative approach to discarding is in order - especially if the opponent has the Crib.
The key is the Count - and the player who has the first count at the beginning of Fourth Street has a clear advantage. He will have three hands (and one Crib) to score 31 points. It does not sound like much, and average plus (8 points or so) hands will usually take care of business. Of course, this can all change in a heartbeat if the cards are sour and the opponent scores a big hand and Crib combination and then has position for his first count!
Pegging is the key here, and racking up as many points as possible should be the plan. Careless play leading to the relinquishing of fifteens, runs, and 31's will really hurt. Your opponent will be desperately trying to win as many pegs as possible. As play progresses, it may be necessary to go into a conservative "shell" depending on the position.
Suppose you are in a close game and are situated within 25 points of
victory. You have first count and pick up this hand:
A 5 10 J Q Q
What is your discard to the opponent's Crib?
This is a great hand! Keep the 5 10 J Q, and make the safe A - Q toss
into the opponents' Crib.
Assume the same scenario. This time you hold:
3 4 5 7 8 J
It would be terrific if it were your crib? (the 7 - 8 would be a lucious discard!). Play it safe! Keep the 3 4 5 8 and dump the 7 J.
Now we will move a bit further down Fourth Street. You and your opponent are 18 pegs away from the finish line in a dead heat. He has the first count. You hope he does not hold a huge hand! It is your crib. How would you handle each of these hands?
A 2 3 7 7 8
Keep the A 7 7 8 for a snappy eight points and chances for a lot more! The 2- 3 in your Crib could be quite fruitful, too.
Now you pick up:
4 5 7 8 10 Q
This is real easy! Drop the 7 - 8 into your Crib, while keeping 4 5 10 Q. The hand is thin, but a variety of "cuts" can help here.
Finally, this specimen comes along:
A A 3 3 10 10
Keep the Aces and threes and hope for a "cut" of a face card. This is real nice hand for pegging, and you may have to manufacture some points here.
Next month, I will review what to do in the "home stretch" as you close to within 10 points of a win. In the meantime, happy pegging!
