Cribbage Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cribbage

[ˈkrɪb.ɪdʒ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

card game

Cribbage is a card game that involves creating combinations of cards for points. Players use a unique scoring board that features pegs to track their points during the game. It is traditionally played with two players but can accommodate more.

Examples of usage

  • They played a round of cribbage on a rainy afternoon.
  • Cribbage is often enjoyed during family gatherings.
  • She taught her friend how to play cribbage over coffee.
  • He has a cribbage board that his grandfather made.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Cribbage is quite popular in the UK and North America, often played in pubs and family gatherings.
  • The game has seen its own competitive circuit, with national championships held in several countries, showcasing its rich community spirit.
  • Many families pass down cribbage as a tradition, teaching children the rules and strategies across generations.

Mathematics & Strategy

  • The game involves a significant amount of mathematics, including probability and combinatorial strategies to score effectively.
  • Players must think several moves ahead, focusing on card combinations and their potential points.
  • Advanced players often create personalized strategies that can involve bluffing, similar to poker.

Psychology

  • Many researchers study games like cribbage to understand how strategic thinking develops in competitive scenarios.
  • Playing card games has been shown to improve cognitive functions, including memory and problem-solving skills.
  • The social interaction during cribbage can foster companionship and bonding among players, influencing emotional well-being.

Historical Context

  • During World War II, these card games helped soldiers maintain their morale and find joy amidst harsh conditions.
  • Versions of cribbage have been played in various forms throughout history, reflecting its enduring popularity.
  • Notably, cribbage was part of the gaming culture at the Royal Court, highlighting its acceptance among nobility.

Origin of 'cribbage'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'cribbage' comes from the term 'crib', which refers to the area where players can set aside cards to form combinations.
  • The game traces its roots back to the early 17th century, invented by an English poet, Sir John Suckling.
  • The scoring board used in cribbage is called a 'fragile' because of its narrow, wooden structure.

The game of cribbage can trace its origins back to the early 17th century, attributed most notably to Sir John Suckling, an English poet and courtier. It is believed that Suckling created the game as a card variant of an earlier game called 'Noddy'. The original version of cribbage was played with a simple set of rules, yet it quickly evolved into more structured forms. The cribbage board, which serves as a scoring device featuring pegs to mark points, became an essential component of the game over time. As the game gained popularity, it migrated across the ocean to America in the 19th century where it was embraced and adapted by American players. Today, cribbage remains a beloved pastime around the world, known for its unique blend of strategy and chance.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,908, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.