Christmas cribbage...

Greetings from Ilene in Vernonia: Our Story


From Ilene in Vernonia:

"...We tried to play cards by candlelight in the evening. Stewart and Mike are a team against Stacey and me in cribbage. At nine o'clock Christmas eve we went to bed to get warm.

Christmas morning Stewart suggested we get a motel in Hillsboro. We all headed out of town for Christmas morning breakfast at Sheree's. We had a wonderful breakfast and Stewart and Stacey went to get a motel. They called us when they were settled and we went to their motel and continued our cribbage tournament. I believe we are all tied up..."

Full post

Cribbage: the other sport...

From Hit The Post:

"... regehr afterhours is always a good time. it hasn't even started yet but i know it will be good... and if he doesn't say it on national television, i know (from watching the little clips on the flames' website) that one year for xmas his wife got him a pilsner-bottle shaped cribbage board. well, i love pilsner, and i love cribbage so i suppose now i love robyn regehr's wife.... awesome gift, ladyfriend. ..."

Full post

Winter of discontented cribbage players....

From The Winter of Our Discontent:

"And then the older ones made chocolate covered pretzels and talked on the phone to friends and played cribbage with DH. They also all watched the Nightmare Before Christmas."

Full post.

Jack Wayne Tranholt: pegged out...

Jack Wayne Tranholt, 85, found his peace on Friday, Dec. 19 at his home on Sand Lake.

Jack was born April 28, 1923 in Bejou to Morris and Myrtle (Jacobson) Tranholt.

Jack was a veteran of World War II. Jack was united in marriage to Margaret "Peggy" McEwen on May 8, 1948 in Cloquet. He lived in Duluth until his retirement from US Steel where he was employed as a Bricklayer. Post retirement jobs included busdriver for Moose Lake School District and Windemere Township Board Member. Jack loved his home on Sand Lake. He enjoyed playing countless cribbage games and taking care of his two canine friends. He will be missed by his family, friends and special neighbor, Jean Sekoura.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents; son, Tim Cameron.

Jack is survived by his loving wife, Peggy of Moose Lake; son, Robert W. (Linda Carlberg) Tranholt of Duluth.

Special thanks to Dr. Vainio and Min No Aya Win Clinic of Cloquet and caregivers, led by Jenny Sathre.

GATHERING: of family and friends will be Monday, Jan. 5, 2009, from Noon until the 1 p.m. Memorial Service in Moose Lake United Methodist Church with Pastor Rick Edwards officiating. Military Honors will be provided by Moose Lake American Legion Post #379. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers. To sign the guest book online go to: www.hhkfuneralhome.com Arrangements are with Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.

Tags: obituaries

1 comment

Lori M. Puyallup, WA 12/25/2008 3:44 PM

Peggy and Bobby,

Linda just called to tell me about Jack's passing. I am so sorry for your loss. I'm sure he is up in heaven playing cribbage with dad (Ray Morrison) and talking politics. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
With much, much love.

Your adopted daughter (Linda still says you are my real mom and dad!),
Lori Morrison and family

44... and how many more?

So we reached 44 countries yesterday... or was it the night before?? Anyway, not bad since we had just reached 43 on Dec. 21.

Wahoo!!!!!!

JK

Perhaps remarkable things at eCribbage.com...

Some odd things happen when you play cribbage with jokers! I guess I feel like I need to remark on them since it's the first time they have happened to me - having only recently started playing with jokers thanks to Damien Blond's excellent games at eCribbage.com.

First off, you CAN get a 19 ahnd when you play with jokers!!! I was playing SkunkGirl the other night and here are our hands - each 19... as you can see.




19



Also, getting 29 is not so unusual... see below?



And on the same night... another 29... the only bad thing was, a glitch in the program or a problem with my MAC caused the game to freeze up right after I got this 29 hand and when we resumed the game my 29 score had been wiped out! Darn it all!



Have you scored a remarkable hand??? Send me your story and/or photos!

Cheers, and happy pegging!
JK

Another cribbage poem...

From BanjoHangout.org:

Sparrows in the piney trees,
Snowdrifts on the yards
Get down to the old Stone House
And bring along the cards.

Deal that cribbage down, boys,
Move them pegs around.
The finest way to spend the day
Is deal that cribbage down!

Original post here.

State of Address from Enumero...

From Enumero Cribbage Boards:

"My very own State of the State Address for 2008
It’s been an interesting year for selling cribbage and chess boards (and now plastic drilling templates as well). There were many firsts for me this year. 2009 will mark my 3rd year of selling cribbage and chess boards. "

Full post here.

Handmade cribbage boards...

Looking for handmade cribbage boards?? I found one good resource for that at etsy.com. The site is dedicated to all things handmade and I found 53 listings for cribbage!

Follow the link!

Fletcher Phillips: Pegged out...

From Fosters.com:



Article Date: Sunday, December 21, 2008

Fletcher Phillips

ROCHESTER — Dr. Fletcher Phillips, 88, of 14 Phillips Lane, formerly named 73 Milton Road, died Friday, Dec. 19, 2008, at Rochester Manor after a period of failing health.

He was born Aug. 9, 1920, in Concord the son of the late Sherman and Alice (Parshley) Phillips. Fletcher was a lifelong resident of Rochester graduating from Spaulding High School, Class of 1939. He served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII stationed at Peak's Island, Maine. Dr. Phillips was a chiropractor having attended Lincoln Chiropractic College in Indianapolis, Ind. He married Luella Baker in 1949 and returned to New Hampshire where he owned and operated his chiropractic office and was employed by Brown and Horsch Company for 36 years.

Fletcher was a lifelong (74 years) member and deacon of the True Memorial Baptist Church of Rochester and member of the Grange for over 50 years. He enjoyed history, cribbage, gardening and reading his Bible.

Survivors include: his wife of 59 years , Luella (Baker) Phillips, Rochester; sons, Bruce and wife Cynthia Phillips, Stratham, the Rev. Keith Phillips, Indianapolis, Ind.; daughter, Linnette and husband David Richardson, Rochester; grandchildren, Amy Richardson, Robin and husband Steve Jones, Ross and Jonica Phillips, Linley and Geoffrey Phillips; and several cousins.

Family and friends may visit Monday, 10-12 a.m., at True Memorial Baptist Church, Ten Rod Road, Rochester, N.H. The funeral service will follow at noon in the church with Pastor Rick Lamirande officiating. Burial will be in Kimball Cemetery, Rochester, in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to True Memorial Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1001, Rochester, NH 03866-1001

Original article.

Lick and Riz winter cribbage...

From Lick and Riz:

"7:00 pm
Rick took the next round of shoveling while I took a soak in the tub.

9:00 pm
The winter wonderland outside continues. Rick and I hunker down for a few games of Cribbage.

10:30 pm
Rick doesn't want to play Cribbage anymore. Probably because I beat him 3 times. Yep, that's right 3 times.

Here is a pick of our street:"

Full post.

Don't "beat" your cribbage partner...

From Life in Alessandria:

So forget Cribbage, Hollywood is MY game (oh and of course "Bananas" now, too). But sometimes she gets a little too close for comfort, hence the flip side of my note: (see picture)

Full post here.

43!

It was Dec. 13 when we added country number 42 to the Cribbaholics Unanimous list of visitors... Now a mere 8 days later we add number 43! Awesome!

And tomorrow the world!

Cheers, and Happy Pegging!
JK

Beating the odds in La Grande... 29 hand!!!

From The Observer:

By Dick Mason

The instant loss of color in Dustin Fitzgerald’s face said volumes.
The shouts that followed said even more.

Fate had smiled on Fitzgerald. Now he was smiling, and the 16 other cribbage players with him were jubilantly smiling back.

Fitzgerald had just found himself in possession of a coveted 29 hand Sunday afternoon at the Grass Roots Regional Cribbage Tournament in La Grande. The elusive hand is the crown jewel of cribbage, the highest a player can get in the card game. A 29 hand is comprised of three fives, a jack and a five as the cut card. The five cut card must be the same suit as the jack.
The odds against getting a 29 hand are 216,508 to 1, according to the American Cribbage Congress. For added perspective, an amateur golfer’s chances of getting a hole in one are 12,800 to 1, according to Golf Digest.

“I’ve known people who are senior citizens who have played all their lives and never gotten a 29 hand,’’ said John Fitzgerald, Dustin’s father and the director of the Blue Mountain Peggers, La Grande’s new cribbage club, which put on Sunday’s tournament.

Full article here.


Nice job Dustin!
JK

Cribbage and the theme song for the new economy...

I never thought cribbage would make an appearance in a Weird Al song, but... in this economy, why not?? Read on:


From Pittsburgh Live:

"Theme Song for the New Economy: "Whatever You Like" by Weird Al Yankovic. Takes rapper TI's ode to materialism to its logical recession-era conclusion. Favorite lines: "You like Top Ramen, need Top Ramen/Got a cupboard full of 'em, I'll keep 'em coming/You want it, I got it, go get it, just heat it/Dump the flavor packet on it and eat it./Pork and beans and Minute Rice/And we can play Cribbage all night/And baby you can have whatever you like (if you like).""

Full article here.

Thanks Weird Al.
:o)

40 point hand??? Oh My!!!

Wow!!! Can you believe this? I was playing Cribbage with Jokers on eCribbage.com with a player named Lady Cate tonight and she was dealt this hand... 3 jokers and a 5 of spades! Then the cut card was a joker!!!

So, what would you do with this? She made them all 5s! I think the only thing I would have done differently would have been to make them all spades... could have been a 45 hand!!!

Either way, it was more than enough to beat me. Great job Lady Cate!

Cheers!
JK

A Crash in Spring Valley...

The "crashing three" reported on earlier on this blog were once again seen playing late night Crash Cribbage - this time in Spring Valley, CA.

Once again, it was captured on Mickey's iphone.

Also, although not playing in this game, "BBGunner" who plays at eCribbage.com was also present... is this truly the genesis of the Crash Cribbage revolution???

Cheers,
JK

(Photo by Dan Smith... Thanks Dan!)

Cribbage and ice fishing...

From Mercury News:

"...Across Minnesota's frozen lakes you'll see encampments, where flannel-clad villagers share steaming pots of chili and elect seasonal mayors. They drink beer, play cribbage and watch their bobbers pop merrily in the little circles of water cut out of the ice..."


Full article here.

Cribbage on a Chinese train...

From Ian Out There:

The other train riders were interested in us and watch on as we played cards and reviewed our photos. I tried my few Chinese phases and we shard some laughs with our bunkmates. We met a guy who smokes regular cigarettes out of a big bamboo bong between cars and I was kind and unable to turn the rough Chinese tobacco down. Josie beat me at cribbage after that.

Full post here.

Paradise cribbage player, Shirley Winnett Althoff: Pegged out...

From The Californian:

"Shirley Winnett Althoff, 68, of Paradise, died peacefully at home Friday, Dec. 12, 2008, following a 2½-year courageous battle with cancer.

She was born Aug. 7, 1940, in Binger, Okla., to Hubert and Reta Winnett. She graduated from Salinas High School in 1958 and was a long-time resident of Los Gatos. She enjoyed traveling with her loving husband, Chuck. They moved to Colorado and spent four years there then moved to Paradise. Shirley had a love of cribbage and, along with Chuck, was a member of the Para-Pine Peggers Cribbage Club in Paradise.

Survivors: Husband, Charles Althoff of Paradise; daughter, Kimberly Brown of Santa Clara; son, Marvin Tucker of Moreno Valley; daughter, Carrie Althoff of Santa Barbara; and son, Brett Althoff of Martinez, Ga.; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Jimmy Winnett of Hull, Mass.; Carolyn Winnett of Greeley, Colo. and several nieces and nephews."

Original post here.

Crash Cribbage makes an early pre-Christmas appearance!

I just got done playing about a dozen games of Crash Cribbage online at eCribbage.com. It's free to play (as I have mentioned before) and although there are still a few bugs being worked out it is a blast to play! I encourage everyone to go to eCribbage and then come here and leave me some feedback!

Cheers, and Happy Pegging!

P.S. There is still time to order your Crash Cribbagee board for Christmas! Click on the link to the left of this page or type in www.crashcribbage.com.

~JK

Crash Cribbage is now beta-testing at eCribbage.com!!!

The Crash Cribbage revolution continues! You can now play Crash Cribbage online at eCribbage.com. And it's free to play!

Here is the very first game played:



And here is the end score:



Yup, that's right folks... I skunked DB. :o) It was not a rated game, but this photo will live forever.

Cheers, all and thanks to Damien for making it happen! I'll see you online at eCribbage.com!!
JK

Tribute to Grandpa: cribbage player

From Day by Day:

"...Knowing that Grandpa was truly a gift from Above
Whether it was pulling out that big buck from the swamp
Playing cribbage & eating popcorn into the latest hours of the day
Or even learning how to trap those pesky little chipmunks
The memories will live in our hearts forever and always..."

Full post here.

Pegged out: Iline Margaret Arts (nee School)

From The Northwestern.com:

Iline Margaret School Arts, Little Chute, age 91, died peacefully surrounded by her family, the evening of November 30, 2008 at the home of her daughter, Nancy, where she had resided the last two years. She went to her Lord, holding the hand of her beloved sister, Alyce, with whom she shared a special bond. Iline was born to the late George and Minnie (Klaishuis) School in Freedom, WI on August 7, 1917; she was the fifth of nine children. She married James H. Arts June 24, 1941, at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Little Chute. He preceded her in death April 2, 1997, after sharing 55 years of marriage.

Iline lived and worked in Neenah/Menasha and Chicago in her younger years, but spent her married life residing in Little Chute. She enjoyed travel to many parts of the U.S. and Mexico, however…all by car or train of course, as she would not fly! She was an excellent seamstress, sewing many items of clothing for her daughters, granddaughters, family and friends. She loved to cook and bake, being especially known for her apple pies and chocolate chip cookies. She enjoyed a good game of sheepshead, Liverpool rummy, cribbage and the "occasional" jaunt to the casino. She also enjoyed spending time at the cottage in Door County with family and friends, especially her grandchildren. Iline liked to play golf and she and Jim were members of Fox Valley Golf Course for many years. She also enjoyed bowling in a couples league with Jim, and a Tuesday morning ladies league at Village Lanes once Jim became ill. One of Iline's special life events was a surprise 90th birthday party organized by her daughters, and was a true celebration of her life and friendships. Iline was an active member of her church community at St. John and shared a deep faith in her Lord, which sustained her as she struggled with her declining health and lack of mobility in recent months. She was a member of the St. Elizabeth Society and the Third Order of St. Francis.

Iline is survived by her three daughters: Nancy Lee Arts, Little Chute; Cynthia (Mark B.) (Arts) Nelezen, Oshkosh; and Judy (John P.) (Kerrigan) Vanden Bosch, Seymour; a sister, Alyce Kons, Kaukauna; a sister-in-law, Beverly School; and Delores Murphy, a special friend and step-sister. She influenced the lives of her six grandchildren: Abigail Iline Nelezen, Oshkosh; Karen (Ben) Muenster, Seymour; Vicki Vanden Bosch, Green Bay; Amy (David) Renon, Greenleaf; Todd (Lynn) Vanden Bosch, Freedom; eight great grandchildren: Chelsey, Brittney, Dustin and Dylan Muenster; Kaitlyn and Jennifer Renon; Zachery and Kyle Vanden Bosch. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews and god children, whom she cared for deeply.

Iline was preceded in death by her parents; seven of her siblings and their spouses: Bernice (Anton) Meulemans, Loretta (William) Gerrits, Marie (Herbert) Anderson, Alois (Irene), Melvin, and Richard (Carol) School, and infant brother Billy; brother-in-law, Raymond Kons; sister-in-law, Sister Helen Arts, O.P.; and a grandson, Paul Vanden Bosch.

Iline was a loving wife, mother and grandmother; family was the most important thing in her life, and this was very evident Thanksgiving weekend as family and friends gathered together to share a last moment with her. The house was full of laughter, remembrances, cherished photos shared, story telling and of course food for the visitors, who came to lend support and prayer.

Visitation will begin at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, December 4, 2008 at St. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CATHOLIC CHURCH (323 S. Pine St. Little Chute) until the time of the Funeral Mass at 5 p.m. The Rev. James Hablewitz will officiate with Deacon Vincent De Groot concelebrating. In keeping with Iline's wishes, in lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in her memory for parochial education, which she actively supported.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to ThedaCare Hospice for their compassionate care; in particular her hospice nurses Mary and Judy; also to her physician, Dr. Carolyn Blanc. Mom's life was enriched by her special friend of 45 + years and our family "guardian angel", Lorayne Evers, who lovingly cared for Mom's every need.

O'Connell Funeral Home

201 E. Main St.

Little Chute

(920) 788-6237

Original article.

The Short Years: I'm so much older than I can take

From The Short Years:

"...A few weeks ago I got together for dinner with my friends from college--my gang of wild and crazy girlfriends, the ones who are always up for a good time. These were the things we talked about over dinner:
work
wine
books we've read recently
favorite recipes
cribbage

That's right: cribbage. My great-grandpa's favorite game. And then I came home and told Eric that my friends said cribbage was fun, and he said cribbage is fun, so we went out and bought a set. When my parents watched the two older girls overnight last week, that's what we did: went out for dinner, then came home, put the baby to bed, and played cribbage.

Contrary to what you might believe from reading the above, I am not a 65-year-old person. I just play the role of one, apparently, in my day-to-day life."

Fulll post here: The Short Years: I'm so much older than I can take

OldScrotesHome: Trellis on card games

OldScrotesHome: Trellis on card games: "Trellis on card games
Mrs Trellis shows the breadth of her life experience.
Dear Germaine Greer, she writes, I was fascinated by your piece on the game of cribbage, though I didn't agree with most of your expressions. For example, my late husband, Mr Trellis, always said 'Jack up for two!' not 'two for his heels', and always seemed to find the expression very amusing. But then, he often laughed for no particular reason I could see, like whenever he asked to 'see my box'. But I am sure you and I share a mutual incomprehension of the workings of the male mind.
Anyway, there is more to life than cribbage, and I am glad to see that you are still fighting the feminist cause in your old age. Like me, I notice that your neck has gone, but 'there's a dance or two in the old dame yet', as Mrs Thatcher used to say. By the way, although I admire your struggle for women's rights, I do hope you are not a lesbian, because I can imagine nothing worse than having to share the bathroom with another woman.
Yours etc
Blodwen Trellis, Mrs, Widow, retired"

iPhone cribbage app...

From appshopper.com:

Cribbage Partner
*** Holiday Sale ***
Now $2.99. Enjoy!


In this game it's you against the iPhone in head-to-head cribbage action.

Based on the genetically evolved Cribbage AI of the best selling Palm version, Cribbage Partner should prove a challenging opponent for even the most advanced Cribbage player. Cribbage Partner's intuitive user interface make it a pleasure to play. We hope you enjoy it.



What's new

Added How to Play text and fixed a launch bug.

Screenshots

Original link here.

.

Seattle cribbage player, George Kumpf-still having fun

From THE SEATTLE TIMES:

George Kumpf of Bothell has been an usher at Seattle Center for 47 years, and at age 90, he is still enjoying it.

by Rebecca Teagarden

George Kumpf, 90, has been ushering at the Seattle Center since the World's Fair took place in 1962 in Seattle. Kumpf now works during Pacific Northwest Ballet performances at McCaw Hall as the assistant head usher on the second tier.

George Kumpf lives in Bothell in a retirement place next to the senior center. Been there about seven years. He likes it OK. George turned 90 this past Oct. 12, and he's been ushering us into Seattle Center events for the past 47 years. This holiday season he's assistant head usher working "The Nutcracker" circuit. You can usually find him on the top tier at McCaw Hall and, oh heck, let's just let him tell it. He's got it down:

"I was born and raised in Seattle. Graduated the University of Washington School of Business in '41 just in time to go into service in the Navy. Went on active service the day after Pearl Harbor. Was assigned to naval intelligence in Seattle. In '42 I was a commissioned ensign in the Naval Reserve. Stayed in the Naval Reserve 27 years.

"Anyhow, I was on active duty until '46. Then in '46 I returned to Seattle and, having heard that Ford was planning to build a parts-distribution center in Seattle, I applied and was accepted as an accountant, where I worked for 30 years. I retired in '76.

"In '62, having heard there was gonna be a world's fair, I thought it'd be kinda fun to moonlight there as an usher. That was a lotta fun. One of the highlights for me was when Ringling Bros. Circus came they usually brought a full band, but they just brought a director, a drummer and a Hammond organ. They recruited the rest of the band from the local union. Ron Simon of the Seattle Symphony and I were chosen to play tuba. So we played three shows a day for three days. It was quite a thrilling experience to say you played for the Ringling circus band. I played in all the Seafair parades from '50 to '68. And also park concerts.

"So, anyhow, that went on, and one year led to another and finally it became a habit. And actually I like working with people and whatnot. I became head usher for a few years. When my wife's health declined I had to cut back, so currently I'm assistant usher. I just like meeting a lot of people and working with 'em. Ushering's become a habit, and you have to have things to take up your interest. I play bridge and cribbage and do some reading, but there's a limit to that. I like this working and meeting people.

"That gives you a rough idea of what I've been doing."

Original article here.

Speed tournament winner!

Congratulations to Michelle who won the first eCribbage.com King's Cribbage speed tournament!!!

Another 32 hand...

Here it is... better than perfect? Not really, I got this while playing cribbage with jokers so it's not all that crazy. There is actually higher scores out there, but 32 is the most I ever got and this is my second one.

I highly suggest everyone goes to eCribbage.com and plays! Great stuff.

Cheers,
JK

LL Bean folding cribbage...

From TrustPony.com:




Original post here.


Kind of odd how the pegs are placed, but oh well.
(JK)

Cribbage now a "luxury pursuit"

From FT.com:
By Nicole Swengley
Published: December 13 2008 00:23

"Our homes become a refuge in tough times. Cosseting ourselves in familiar surroundings, we nurture deeper emotional ties with the things around us. We treasure heirlooms, develop a greater appreciation of beautiful materials and cherish quality craftsmanship.

These cocooning instincts could well account for a growing demand for beautifully made board games and furniture designs that double as games stations. “It’s far nicer to congregate around a card table than a television,” observes royal furnituremaker David Linley. “It takes me back to my childhood, when we’d play family card games like Racing Demon. And now that more people are spending more time entertaining at home, as well as eating in they’re returning to pastimes like bridge and cribbage to provide social interaction and enjoy a laugh with friends over a few drinks.”"

Full article.

42!!! and counting...

It was just about 13 days ago that we hit 41 as the number of countries with people visiting Cribbaholics Unanimous. Now we hit 42 and I have to say that at the rate things are going we may will soon conquer the world!!!! Ah hahahahhhahah! (maniacal laugh)

Seriously though, some big things are happening in the world of cribbage, with much of it centering around eCribbage.com and Damien Blond's innovations in how cribbage is played online. It started with his development of King's Cribbage more than a year ago and then the addition of traditional cribbage several months ago. Since then he has added some variations to traditional cribbage like; Cribbage with Jokers, Lowball Cribbage, Muggins, etc... the latest news being that my game, CrashCribbage.com will soon be joining the ranks!

I don't know for sure if all if this is contributing to the increase in awarenss of C.U. but it can't hurt. Every time there is some new news about cribbage you will find it here... if it's not here, email me or leave a comment here and I'll make sure we get it on C.U.

Don't forget to order your Crash Cribbage board NOW for delivery in time for Christmas. Go to CrashCribbage.com to order now.

Happy pegging!
Joe

Thumbs up to Cribbage board maker...

From The Valdosta Daily Times:

"...THUMBS UP: To Don Covel of Adel. Earlier this year, the 85-year-old made 204 wooden cribbage boards, each with their necessary pegs and a fresh deck of cards. He then sent the games to Veterans Administration hospitals, nursing homes and other places where veterans may be with little or nothing to do. Covel was inspired to tackle the project by memories of his own stay in a naval hospital during World War II..."

Full article here.

A Splinter off the old block...

From Splinter's Woodworks:

"This is the latest completed cribbage board. It was a large board approximately 10 x 20 inches to be able to put the full track on the board. Created out of Hard Maple, as you can see the grain really showed through the clear poly finish nicely.


It additionally had lettering lasered on the bottom right, however I do not have a photo of that."


Original post here

The perfect hand in Wausau...

From Wausau Daily Herald:

Christine Bremer Zoromski of Wausau called to tell us about her 81-year-old aunt's perfect cribbage hand. On Dec. 1, aunt Dorothy Canada of Schofield was playing cards with her two brothers, Jim Bremer, 74, of Schofield (Zoromski's father) and Elmer Bremer, 87, of Wausau.

Canada's hand contained three fives and the jack of clubs when the five of clubs was turned, yielding a perfect score of 29.

Zoromski said her father recalls having a perfect hand about 30 or 35 years ago, but that's the last any of her family has had one. The Bremer siblings usually play cribbage twice a week now, averaging 15 games a day.

"We've been playing forever. ... My dad remembers his parents playing (when he was) age 14," Zoromski said. "It's in our blood."

Original article.

You can't score 19 with a five at cribbage

From Seven of Diamonds:

"The minimum you can score in a six card cribbage hand containing a five is two points.
This is fairly simple to prove..."

Full post here.

Classy Cribbage board...

From Vic's Venue:



"...Rhonda recently taught Alex how to play cribbage. He loved the game, but was amazed at the simplicity of the board. He looked around and was surprised when couldn't find a nice cribbage board. So he made one. Then he made another one. Then someone found out and he had to make two more.







I've handled these boards and they are absolutely beautiful! They are sturdy and have a solid high-end feel to them. They have a Laser-Engraved and Hard-Anodized Aircraft Aluminum Playing Deck held onto the wooden body by four inset magnets. The body is solid wood, 1 3/4” thick Hardwood Oak, Maple, or Beech. Alex finishes them with Six Coats of Luxurious Hand Sprayed Glossy Lacquer Finish. I think my favorite is the Classy blue board on the solid maple base. He puts the whole thing on Natural Cork non-slip foot pads and includes a set of 9 Premium Machined Metal Pegs (3-Stainless, 3-Brass, & 3-Copper) in a Deluxe Micro-Velvet Peg Pouch. There's also a deck of Bicycle Playing Cards and a set of Playing Instructions and Game Rules. The Classy Cribbage Board (also available in a Modern design) is only $149.99..."






They are available at Vic's Venue or... Alex is marketing the boards at http://www.classycribbage.com/ and on eBay at http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140286513058.


Full post here.

Pegged out: Thomas Michael Giebel Sr... cribbage player

From fdlreporter.com:

Surrounded by his family, Tom died of pancreatic cancer at home, Monday Dec. 8, 2008, at the age of 76. He now rests safely in the hands of God.

Tom was the beloved husband of 54 years to Nancy L. (nee Kuehnl); proud and loving father of Jo Ann (Edward) Simmons, Kathleen (Peter) Puck, Thomas Jr. (Marie), the late Susan, Margaret, Martha, Nancy (Gregory) Allard, Daniel (Christine) Giebel.

Tom was a grandfather who could fix anything, and always had a joke, a lesson, and a hug for: Joseph, Alexandra, Nathan and Anna Simmons, Michael, Elizabeth and Andrew Puck, Nicholas, Johanna, Adam, Benjamin and Elena Giebel, Daniel Louis and George Giebel-Ruiz, Christopher, Caroline and Megan Allard, Lauren and Christopher Giebel. He is also survived by his sister Clara (Roland) Schiefelbein; his brothers, James (Patricia) and Richard (Janet); his brother-in-law, Francis Quackenboss, his sisters-in-law, Marilyn (Bruce) Annunson and Janice (Kevin) Flaherty; his brothers-in-law, James (Elaine) and Michael (Trish).

Tom was preceded in death by his sisters, Imogene (Ray) Titel and Peggy Quackenboss; and brother-in-law, John Kuehnl. He was a special lifelong friend of John Moquin, Ken Boulay, Lee Perrizo and the late Harry Riegert.

Tom was born in Fond du Lac, WI. He served his country in the Marine Corps and graduated from Milwaukee School of Engineering. He was a man of great honor and integrity. He taught his children the value of hard work, patience and perseverance. Tom was always ready for his wife's good meals and a game of cribbage or sheepshead.

Visitation: Visitation will be held at the Schramka-Nero Funeral Home, 3701 E. Layton Ave., Cudahy, on Friday, Dec. 12, from 4 to 8 p.m. Family and friends may also call from 9 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, at Nativity of the Lord Parish, 3672 E. Plankinton Ave., Cudahy.
Services: A vigil service will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 10 a.m. at Nativity of the Lord Parish. Entombment will follow at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery.
Since Tom highly valued the Catholic education his children received, in lieu of flowers, memorials to the Angel Scholarship Fund through Nativity of the Lord Parish would be appreciated.

Your memory is our keepsake, with which we'll never part. God has you in His keeping, we have you in our heart.

The Schramka-Nero Funeral Home of Cudahy has been entrusted with Tom's arrangements and is assisting the family. Additional information available at (414) 744-6730.

Original article here.

Creative cribbage board...

From Tried to live forever every day of the year:

What is this, you might ask?

This is a cribbage board Jesse constructed with promises of endless entertainment, that became less promising while Perry, Katie, Erica, and I began sipping sake and watching the Ravens game. The night continued with laughs and jests (seriously, I'm so eighty!) and then we went home to a couple of more games and glorious, glorious sleep.

Full post

Celebrating cribbage and Mayhem...

From Celebrating the Mayhem:

"2. i can play cribbage - and i like it ... and sometimes - shoot i do it all the time - i play it with license plates - count points with what i see on the plate ... A's are Aces - worth 1 or 11, J's are Jacks - worth 10, Q's are Queens, K's ... you get the picture! my dance partner from #1 and i would do that on road trips - so we didn't have to try and figure out how to bring the cribbage board and cards. andy thinks i'm a little crazy when i start "15-2, 15-4 ...""

Full post here.

One in 36 million: cribbage player...

From one in 36 million:

"...there was this mystery game. It had a board, and pegs you moved, but no dice; a card game board game! Nana and Grandad played it avidly, and Mom and Dad joined in. They called it “Crib,” short for Cribbage.

I don’t remember how old I was when Grandad figured Tasha and I were old enough to learn how to play. Addition, I think, was still relatively new to me. I can remember not being sure what seven plus five was. Tasha soon lost interest, as she always did with card games, and turned on the television. I still remember that, as I was distracted, and Grandad firmly said, “Are you playing cards, or are you watching TV? You can’t do both.” At the time it sounded horribly strict, but I focused. Cards. Seven and eight add up to fifteen. So do nine and six. A double run of three is three plus three plus a pair makes eight – can you count fifteens in there? My brain struggled with this, and couldn’t quite add quickly enough. Yet..."


Full post here.

Get your daily cribbage fix with eCribbage and dailycribbagehand

Here's an update from eCribbage.com:



www.dailycribbagehand.org

41, uh hmm...

We just added another country to the list! That's officially 41 countries with Cribbaholics in them that have clicked here at C.U.

Hals Crib... improve your game!

Looking for a way to improve your cribbage game?? I know I am. I've always played for fun - never even read a cribbage book or thought a lot about the strategy of the game other than just "knowing" from experience what to play and what to discard or keep.

But isn't it more fun when you win??? Of course! So I'm looking for ways to improve and I came across a player at eCribbage.com named HalsCrib. He has some kind of program that will help to improve your game. I've begun checking out the info on his web site and it looks pretty good. If anyone has any personal experience with it please let me know or publish your comments here.

In the meantime, check it out yourself at HalsCrib.

Interesting twist on Cribbage...

From Examiner.com:

"..."High Stakes Cribbage" (or any other game for two, like Scrabble, rummy, Uno, etc.). Each partner creates two "desire cards" by writing down, on two, face-down index cards, something s/he would like from the other should s/he win. It could be a dinner cooked in the nude or a bath for two; having a servant for the night or being one. Preferably, it should be something a little risky, so that its worth playing all out for in the game. When the game is over, the loser picks one of the winner's two "desire cards." If the loser doesn't feel that s/he can't possibly perform the chosen wish, then s/he has the option of taking the second card, but s/he must perform that request, no matter what. (Idea courtesy of Martha McKinley.)..."

Original article here.

On the list... cribbage...

From Converging Heritage:










Full post here

Cribbaholics Unanimous hits 40!!!!

Forty countries that is. How they are all finding us is still unknown. Why they come... a mystery, but the reason they return is clear: Where else can you get (and share) all the cribbage news in the known universe? Only here.

There may be fancier sites and more brilliant blogs, but here you can achieve cribbage immortality. Do you have a unique cribbage tale to tell? Have you scored that perfect 29? Maybe you have a board your grandfather used during the war... send me your posts, poems and piquant tidbits and they will be preserved here forever at Cribbaholics Unanimous.

Cheers, and Happy Thanksgiving!
Joe

REI outdoor cribbage board...

Check out this interesting "outdoor" cribbage board from REI.com. They are selling them for $45.



Saw it here.

Crash Cribbage to Join eCribbage.com Family

From PRWeb:

Damien Blond, founder of eCribbage, announced today that Crash Cribbage will soon be joining the line up of cribbage games available for online play at http://eCribbage.com.

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) November 26, 2008 -- Crash Cribbage joins Kings Cribbage, Cribbage with Jokers, Lowball Cribbage, Traditional Cribbage, and four other cribbage variants in the rapidly growing online eCribbage community started in mid-2008.

Crash Cribbage is a variation of cribbage that uses the traditional rules of cribbage but is played on a unique figure-8 pegging track. All players share the same track and can bump or "crash" into each others' pegs thereby adding or subtracting points. This adds a new element of offensive and defensive strategy in the pegging round.

"The new partnership with Crash Cribbage is very exciting," said Blond. "eCribbage prides itself in its vast collection of cribbage games, so having Crash Cribbage available to play at eCribbage.com is an essential part of the experience for cribbage enthusiasts."

Crash Cribbage designer Joe Kane, who is also an active duty U.S. Navy chief petty officer stationed in San Diego said making Crash Cribbage available for online play has been a goal for nearly ten years.

"I'm almost in shock," Kane said. "Since I first came up with the concept of Crash right after my first Western Pacific deployment with USS Boxer in '96 - '97 and made a rough prototype in my basement, I've been trying to find someone to design a virtual version that I'd be happy with. When I met Damien in 2007 and saw the incredible community of cribbage enthusiasts he was building, I knew right away we just had to work together on Crash."

Kane said he's been selling the physical version of Crash Cribbage from his Web site, http://www.crashcribbage.com since about 1999 but getting a version online is like a dream come true.

"I can't wait to play online," said Kane. "I've had boxes of Crash Cribbage boards in my garage for all these years as I've sold them from my Web site, but I rarely get to meet or interact with the people who purchase them. The online version will not only be a cool new way to play and to introduce the game to a bunch more people, but will also be a great way to get direct feedback from people around the world who play the game."

The online beta version of Crash Cribbage is scheduled for release before Christmas and the board game is available now for sale at http://www.eCribbage.com or at http://www.crashcribbage.com.

About eCribbage: eCribbage is the leader in online cribbage gaming and boasts the largest collection of unique cribbage games available online. These games consist of Traditional Cribbage, Manual Count Cribbage, Kings Cribbage, Cribbage with Jokers, Back up 10 Cribbage, Team Cribbage, Cribbage with Muggins, Lowball Cribbage, and Crash Cribbage. eCribbage prides itself in its friendly community and constant enhancements to the site, which makes it the perfect online cribbage experience. In order to promote friendly competition, eCribbage hosts frequent tournaments covering all of its cribbage games. eCribbage is completely free for anyone who wants to play.
For more information, contact: Damien Blond: damien @ ecribbage.com or Joe Kane: joe @ ablekane.com

###

A cribbage poem...

From Linda's Poetry:

A Time the Lights Went Out April 29, 2008
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

We were watching
the channel 13 news
at 5:30 with Kiley Bennett

He in his recliner
and me sideways
on the couch

with my legs stretched out.
There’d been a killing
in Portland, a car crash

on I-95 near mile marker 14
with two fatalities, and
tornadoes in the Midwest.

Then nothing. The screen
went black and our minds
went blank. We looked

at each other. Now what?
“Want to play cribbage?”
We got the cards and board out,
I moved closer to him
and we started playing, laughing,
smirking, swearing, chuckling.

Then the TV blinked
back on and we put
the cards away.

I returned to my couch
and the news,
unsmiling.

Original post here.

Pegged out: Helmuth H. Berndt...

From The Oshkosh Northwestern:

Helmuth H. (Junior) Berndt, age 64, of Berlin, died peacefully on Friday morning November 21, 2008 at the Berlin Memorial Hospital with his family at his side.

He was born on April 17, 1944 in Ripon, the son of Helmuth and Edith M. (Daehn) Berndt.

He attended Ripon High School and was a graduate of Markesan High School. Helmuth served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era and was stationed in Germany from 1962 until 1965. He married Nadia H. Volk on July 11, 1964 in Worms, Germany.

He then became employed in construction for the Colon Wallace Construction Co. of Berlin where he worked for some time. Junior also worked as a farm helper and was in Maintenance at the Berlin Foundry for 30 years, best known to all as BR549. Junior then worked at the Aladdin Cleaners of Berlin in Delivery until his health failed.

He was a member of the Berlin Lions Club, his hobbies included Bowling, Pool Leagues, tend to his garden especially his rose bushes, loved to mow his neighbors lawns, fishing, hunting, made fantastic home-made Sauer Kraut, especially liked working with wood and made many special things, loved to sing, play canasta, cribbage, and board games with family and friends. He was especially noted to pick on his family and friends in fun and he also would do anything for anybody and expect nothing in return.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Nadia, his children, Edith (Tom Guden) Helmuth of Berlin, Connie (Mark) Hardel of Montello, Veronica (Doug) Schendel of Ripon, Peter (Vicki) Deering) of Kaukauna, and Tammy (Dan) Hazel of Omro, his grandchildren, Brandon Helmuth, Ashley and Austin Guden, Nickolas (C.J. Maniscalco), Tyler Hardel, Braze, Macy and Nathan Schendel, Jerry and Chris Deering, Benjamin and Kadence Hazel, great grandchildren, Kaleb and Sean Hardel, brother, Roy (Barbara) Berndt of Green Lake, sister, Mabel Graff of Markesan, brother in law, Almond Meyer of Winneconne, also many nieces and nephews and all of his very special coffee clutch friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister in law, Eric (Marion) Berndt, sister, Fern Meyer, sisters and brothers in law, Eunice (Durwood) Grams, Helen (Vernon) Podoll and brother in law, Marvin Graff.

Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2008 at 7 p.m. at the Wiecki-Skipchak Funeral Home of downtown Berlin with the Pastor Peter Quello officiating.

Following the services a fellowship and luncheon with the family will be held in the Funeral Home Family Center and all are invited.

Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, November 25, 2008 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the funeral Home.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Doctor Lambert and Wong of the Regional Clinic of Fond du Lac, Juliette Manor Nursing Home of Berlin, the Intensive Care Unit of the Berlin Memorial Hospital and also Dr. Todd Bradshaw for all of the special care and kindness given to him and his family throughout his illness.

Original article.

One of 52 random things...

From 52 Random Things:













Original post here.

Pegged out: Karolyn Cleveland, cribbage player...

From The News Observer:

Retirement community's Energizer Bunny dies at 97

BONNIE ROCHMAN, Staff Writer

CARY - For many at Glenaire retirement community, it seemed as though Karolyn Cleveland had always been there. And, in truth, she had.
The community opened its doors in June 1993; she moved in two months later.

Anyone would have understood if Cleveland, as she approached the century mark, opted to curl up in a rocker and while away her twilight years.

But she had a job -- lots of them.

She made sure residents decades younger got up each morning and showed up for breakfast in the dining room.

She played bridge and cards and cribbage, served as secretary for Glenaire's buildings and grounds committee, and pioneered the Busy Fingers, a handiwork group that met weekly to knit, crochet, quilt and gab.

She sang in the chorus. She organized yard sales and decorated the hall bulletin board, adorning it with snowflakes for winter and hearts for Valentine's Day.

"She was impatient with folks who complained about their problems and dragged their heels," said Sam Stone, Glenaire's former executive director. "She lived life energetically."

A week before her death Oct. 25, Cleveland participated in the senior games held with two other Presbyterian continuing-care communities. She boarded a bus for the competition, which was near High Point. An avid golfer, Cleveland competed in putting.

Along for the ride were some boosters from Glenaire -- cheerleaders, actually. Cleveland had organized the Busy Fingers to craft pompoms for their shoes.

Cleveland, who had lived independently at Glenaire, died of pneumonia. She was 97.

In 1911, Karolyn Meyer Cleveland was born into a prominent German-American family in Indiana. She married her childhood sweetheart, a fiber salesman, and moved with him and their two boys to Atlanta, Connecticut and New York City. In Manhattan, on the banks of the East River, the Clevelands kept a cabin cruiser they used to shuttle visitors to the 1964 New York World's Fair.

In 1973, after Wayne Cleveland retired, they moved south to Pine Knoll Shores, N.C., a town on the coast where he eventually became mayor. They developed the easy, familiar routines of retirement: golf, and lots of it, and a daily trek to the ocean every afternoon at 4, where they'd join friends for cocktails.

After her husband died in 1983, Cleveland stayed at the shore for another 10 years before moving to Cary.

In an unfortunate twist of fate, Cleveland's son also ended up at Glenaire after suffering a stroke.

She visited daily, encouraging him to join her for a program in the auditorium or catch a Friday night movie.

In her 80s at the time, Cleveland had a list of commitments that rivaled those of someone decades younger.

Every Sunday night was devoted to playing 99, in which every player gets three cards and four coins and wheels and deals until the first player amasses 99 points and is crowned the winner. The women in the group were younger than Cleveland, but they ceded the task of shuffling to her.

"Good exercise," she called it.

"Her fingers were still just as limber as they could be," said Betsy McNeill, her neighbor. "The rest of us, much younger than she, were all stiff."

Birthday biscuits

McNeill and Cleveland, who was 14 years older, shared the same birthday. You know what they say about older people and forgetfulness, but it hardly seemed to apply to Cleveland. When each March 23 dawned, McNeill would open her door to find hot homemade biscuits, a birthday treat from Cleveland.

At monthly hall meals, Cleveland could be counted on to liven up the dinner conversation. She'd bring age-appropriate stories to tell, like the one about the doctor who met his patient on the street, accompanied by a lovely lady.

"Doctor," the patient began, "I've got a hot mama on my arm."

"Oh, no," the doctor replied. "That's not what I said. I said you have a heart murmur."

Twice a year, Glenaire hosts a yard sale. The Busy Fingers always staffed a table where they sold knitting needles, thread, unfinished cross-stitch canvases and fabric scraps.

The most recent yard sale took place last month. Cleveland, as usual, spent most of the day representing the Busy Fingers table.

At one point during the day, a friend, Maria Kiser, offered to relieve her.

"Oh, no," she replied with a smile. "I might miss something."

Now it's Busy Fingers' turn to miss her. Without Cleveland as a driving force, Busy Fingers may unravel.

* * *

Karolyn Cleveland is survived by two sons, four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.


Life Stories
bonnie.rochman@newsobserver.com or 919-829-4871

Original article here.

Book for cribbage players...

I've had several emails now... well, ok, I only got two emails, asking for ideas about books to learn cribbage. Amazon has several, but one that I know of is this one. It's a pretty good all around book for cribbage players. Feedback and comments are welcome.

Cheers and happy pegging<
JK

Cribbage Albatross...

From South Coast Today:

"Jerry Prezioso first went aboard the Albatross in 1969 as a 19-year-old student, and has since logged 664 days at sea.

He likened Thursday's ceremony to a high school reunion, and said it made him think back to seasickness, cribbage games and watching movies using a projector and reels..."

Full article

Cribbage enroute to the bottom of the world...

From The Scientific American:

"I settle into work while most of the other passengers fall asleep. One contested cribbage game continues in the back on a box of snowmobiles. I chat with the flight crew asking questions about the C17 that will deliver the fuel to the northern camp next week. I hope we can get videos of the packages sliding out the back of the aircraft. I really hope to attach a Flip vide to one of the packages to get a sense of what it would be like to ride down to the camp with the airdrop package..."

Full article.

History of cards...

From The Guardian:


Photo: The Cheat with the Ace of Diamonds, by Georges de la Tour (1635). Photograph: Corbis






Leaders of the pack: A short history of cards
Who would have thought the humble deck of cards was once a luxury only the aristocracy could afford?
By Andy Bodle

For a symbol of international harmony and cross-cultural cooperation, look no further than the nearest pack of cards. Playing cards in their present form are the result of ideas and refinements from at least eight countries and four continents over the course of 1,200 years.

The concept, and the technology to make the paper they are printed on, probably originated in China around the end of the first millennium. During the Tang dynasty of the 9th century AD, a Princess Tongchang is said to have played the "leaf game". This was probably a paper form of dominoes rather than true cards, but 100 years later Emperor Mu- Tsung is recorded as shuffling and dealing the real thing.

Cards did not arrive in Europe until the mid-14th century, either in Islamic Spain or as the result of trade between the Mamluks of Egypt and Italy. By this time they were already in something like their current form, so it's reasonable to assume that the basic mechanics of cards - the four-suit system, royalty, and perhaps the concept of taking tricks - were established either in India or the Middle East.

In the first years after their arrival, cards were illustrated by hand, and as such were a luxury only the aristocracy could afford. But such was the demand for packs that cheaper methods of production were called for, and by the early 15th century the Germans had mastered printing with wood blocks. With the hardware easily obtainable, cards became popular among people of all classes.

The earliest packs consisted of four suits - cups, swords, coins and polo sticks - and there were no female faces in the game, the royalty consisting of a king and two viceroys. It was mid-15th-century France, where card fever really took hold, that invented the suits and court cards that most countries use today.

Britain was something of a latecomer to the game - the first recorded mention of cards is in a statute prohibiting their importation in 1463. But here too the law failed to contain the new craze, and by 1629 British card manufacturers had their own union.

By 1534, the French writer Rabelais could name 35 different card games. The games played today are the descendants of diversions invented by the Spanish (bezique), the Italians (primero, which evolved into ecarte, trump and, ultimately, whist), the Brits (cribbage), Uruguayans (canasta) and even the Amish (euchre).

The New World made several other contributions. The pilgrims were manufacturing their own decks within decades of arriving, and it was American devotees who gave us rounded edges, the joker card (originally a special card in the game called euchre), the process of lamination, and dozens of games including poker, pinochle and bridge.

Hands of time: pivotal moments in the evolution of cards

c820AD

Cards are invented in China, during the Tang dynasty. The first suits are in fact increasing denominations of currency (coins, strings of coins, myriads of strings, and tens of myriads), which suggests they may have been derived from actual money. Alternative theories say they may have been a paper adaptation of dominoes, or dice.

Early 14th century

Probable first arrival of cards in Europe, in Italy. They have travelled from China via India and the Middle East, and specifically with the Mamluks of Egypt.

1371

First documentary evidence of cards in Spain; in a Catalan rhyming dictionary, of all places.

1377

First detailed description of playing cards in Europe, by a Swiss monk named John of Rheinfelden.

1380

Suddenly, they're everywhere - mentions of cards crop up as far afield as Florence, Basle, Regensburg, Brabant, Paris and Barcelona.

1392-93

Charles or Charbot Poupart, the treasurer of the household of Charles VI of France, records payment for the painting of three sets of cards.

1440

Johann Gutenberg invents the movable-type press. Improvements in printing technology mean that cards can now be mass-produced.

1462

Earliest reference to cards in Britain. This and most of the mentions thereafter are bannings, fulminations against the evils of gambling, or notices of arrest for so doing.

1480

The four suits now commonly seen worldwide are first used in France, adapted from the German suits of hearts, bells, leaves, and acorns.

Late 1400s

The ace, or one, which had always had the lowest value in cards, starts to gain a special significance. Ace becomes high.

Early 1500s

Card-makers at Rouen hit upon the distinctive card illustrations that we still use today.

1520

First mention of the game of triomphe in Spain. Now obsolete, the game spawned many games such as euchre, whist and bridge.

1674

Publication of Charles Cotton's Compleat Gamester, one of the first attempts to lay down authoritative rules for many card and dice games.

1685

The first paper money is issued in North America - as IOUs on the backs of used playing cards - by Jacques de Meulles, the French governor of Quebec.

1711

First systematic tax on packs of cards introduced.

1742

Publication of Edmund Hoyle's Short Treatise on the Game of Whist. The pamphlet goes through several editions and becomes one of the bestselling publications of the 18th century.

1793

Post-revolutionary French authorities ban the depictions of royalty on playing cards. Kings, queens and jacks became liberties, equalities and fraternities. This stands for 12 years until Napoleon comes to power and tells them not to be so silly.

1834

First documented game of poker on a Mississippi river steamer. The game, a refinement of the Persian game "as nas", takes its name from a similar French game, "poque".

Mid-1800s

Card names abbreviated and placed in the corner for the first time. Partly for this reason, the "knave" (whose abbreviation is the same as for "king") now becomes the "jack".

1857

First appearance of the joker.

1868

Bezique is introduced to England. The rules, as published, are unclear; panic in the streets.

Early 20th century

Canasta is invented in South America. It becomes globally popular after WW2.

1909

In a New York club, ET Baker invents gin rummy. It catches on in Hollywood, and subsequently the world, in the 1940s.

1914-18

Pontoon is the game of choice among soldiers in first world war trenches.

1925

Harold Stirling Vanderbilt, on a cruise from San Francisco to Havana, perfects the rules of contract bridge, which becomes the most popular card game in the west.

1935

Card manufacturers attempt to introduce a fifth suit (not black, not red, but green) called the "eagles" in the US and "crowns" in the UK. It is a dismal failure.

Original article

Turning kids in to cribbage fiends...

From The Guardian, Saturday November 22, 2008:

Top tips for turning your kids into card fanatics
by Janet Cross

Playing cards is a great, non-sexist antidote to hi-tech kids' games. They will learn to love playing cards as they enjoy undivided adult attention and build up their concentration. They're also learning how to abide by rules, take turns and be a good winner or loser. Here's how to raise a team of card connoisseurs:

Get really little ones used to cards by starting a riotous game of snap. Try and avoid crushing their tiny digits in the mayhem.

Start your budding card sharks (aged five and upwards) off with some classic family games such as old maid and pig to familiarise them with card etiquette - sorting by number or suit and holding a number of cards. Keep the suspense up by giving a running commentary, asking players what they are thinking and hoping.

Improve pocket poker players' concentration by playing memory, where they will learn to make pairs and remember positioning.

All ages enjoy madcap games such as spoons or cheat, but balance these with strategic games like hearts, sevens and whist as they get older. Introduce "betting-lite" on special occasions in games such as newmarket or pontoon.

Grandparents will adore passing on the intricacies of older games such as cribbage to inquiring young minds. The complex scoring will help their mental arithmetic, too.

Use playing cards that are interesting or informative. Who knows, they might learn the names of all the kings and queens of England as they struggle to outwit their siblings.

Encourage children to make up their own house rules so they can be imaginative and hone games they love to play. This will help nurture their interest.

Original article.

Fascinating card facts...

From The Guardian:, Saturday November 22 2008

Without cards, there would be no sarnies. You're probably aware the sandwich was named after the 18th-century earl. But do you know why John Montagu dreamed up his eponymous snack? Because he didn't want to leave the cribbage table to go to dinner.

Many individual cards have picked up nicknames over the years. For example, the four of clubs is often known as Ned Stokes, the Devil's four-poster, or the Curse of Mexico; the queen of clubs, Queen Bess; the nine of diamonds, the curse of Scotland; the king of hearts, the suicide king (because he appears to be stabbing himself through the head); the king of diamonds, the man with the axe; the ace of clubs, the horseshoe; the ace of spades, old frizzle.

The king of hearts is the only without a moustache - but not because of superior personal hygiene. He originally had one, but it was lost in the reproduction of the original design. A similar mistake caused his axe to become a sword.

Ever wondered why the ace of spades' spade is larger and more ornate than the others? It's a tax thing. The first systematic duty was imposed on cards in 1711, and in order to indicate that the fee had been paid, a tax stamp was placed on the top card, which was usually the ace of spades. In 1828 it was decided instead that the Stamp Office would print an official ace of spades with the royal coat of arms to signal that the tax had been paid.

Chemistry lessons would be a lot harder if it weren't for cards. For it was while playing his beloved patience that Russian scientist Dmitri Mendeleev had his brainwave about the organisation of the elements - and thus was born the periodic table.

Gunfighter Wild Bill Hickok, who was shot dead at the poker table in 1876, is not the only famous person to have died while playing - comedian Buster Keaton and singer Al Jolson also pegged it at the card table.

Cards were freely available in Britain from the 15th century onwards - until April 1940, when the Nazi invasion of Norway interrupted our supply of cardboard. Winston Churchill insisted that playing card manufacture be maintained at any cost, as they were the soldiers' principal form of entertainment in the trenches.

During the Vietnam war, the US Playing Card Company manufactured crates of aces of spades to ship out to troops. Rumour had it that the Vietcong held the card in mortal dread, believing it to be the symbol of death. Rumour was wrong, but airdropping the cards over Vietnamese villages apparently helped the US soldiers' morale.

A few common English phrases taken from the table: on the cards, play your cards right, steal a march (euchre), not my strong suit, streets ahead (cribbage), ace up your sleeve, beats me, call your bluff, high roller, pass the buck, up the ante, when the chips are down, left in the lurch, raw deal, follow suit, come up trumps.

Original article.