Games are great fun for all ages and seniors are no exception. One card game for seniors that is not only fun but challenging is cribbage, a centuries-old game with millions of players worldwide. Cribbage is also an excellent choice for seniors because it is normally played by just two players so there is no need to round up foursomes or teams before the games can begin. Here’s a look at cribbage, a perfect card game for seniors.
Cribbage: A little history of a great card game for seniors
Thought to be invented by English poet Sir John Suckling in the early 1600s, this card game for seniors grew in popularity and was even noted in “The Old Curiosity Shop,” a novel by Charles Dickens which was published in book form in 1841. Likely thanks to its portability, cribbage became a favorite of American prospectors, and today the mining town of Nelson, Montana has adopted the name “Cribbage Capital of the World.”
How it works
Cribbage is a card game but is played by moving pegs on a cribbage board. Overall, the object of this card game for seniors is to be the first player to score 121 points although it can also be played with an end goal of 61 points. Using a standard 52-card deck of playing cards, the cards are cut by each player from the center of the deck and the player with the lower card (king is high and ace is low) is the first to deal. The dealer then deals each player six cards face down starting with the opponent. Each player then looks at their cards and chooses four to keep and two to place in the “crib.”
At its most basic, this card game for seniors progresses by each player laying down one card each turn on their own pile and calling out the total value of both player’s piles up to the limit of 31, or to the point that no one can lay down another card without going over. Face cards are worth 10, aces worth 1 and all other cards are worth their face value.
Points are earned in a variety of ways including being the first to reach 15, which earns two points, playing cards in a series, but not necessarily in order (e.g., 2, 4, 3), as well as for runs, pairs, and three of a kind, etc. The last card played in each hand earns a point and if that card makes 31, that player earns another point. When a player misses an opportunity for points the other player can call “Muggins” and claim those points, although this rule can be optional especially while learning the game.
Points are counted using pegs on the cribbage board (two for each player) with pegs jumping over each other as the score moves along. Final scores are determined by counting each player’s cards, starting with the non-dealer, then the dealer, then the crib.
For more detailed rules, scoring information, strategies, and penalties, check out the wikiHow.com article, “How to Play Cribbage” or learn via one of the many YouTube videos available.
Download our free Guide to Aging Well to learn more about the habits of the “super agers” around the world.
Online playing
Another reason cribbage is a great card game for seniors is that it can be played online as well as in person. Some require an app while others don’t but each can help hone your cribbage skills and make the game even more fun. Among the possibilities are:
Ramp it up
Like any card game for seniors, the more it is played the better your chances of improving and once you do, there are also cribbage clubs and tournaments to test yourself. That makes for a great way to meet others of all ages who share the love of the game. One of the best ways to find out about cribbage clubs and tournaments is through the American Cribbage Congress Directory or check out Meetup or local senior and community centers for more options.
For those in senior living communities like Sonrisa Senior Living check with your activities director about starting regular cribbage games and or a cribbage club that will quickly become one more way to make this fun and stimulating card game for seniors available to everyone.
Sonrisa Senior Living offers a wide variety of card games for seniors as well as luxury homes, amazing amenities and a wonderful, welcoming community. Download our free Guide to Aging Well to learn more about the habits of the “super agers” around the world. Contact us today to find out more about luxury senior living at Sonrisa and schedule a tour!
