John Chambers - Tip #19
Previous | Next
Some people break up their hand when they shouldn't, others don't
break it up when they should. How do you know what is the right
thing to do?
When deciding to discard from a hand with two three-card runs, three
pairs, to pairs royal, or a nineteen hand, you should ask a number
of important questions:
- Whose Crib is it?
- What hole am I at? How many holes do I need to get into
- What hole is my opponent at? How many holes does my
opponent need to get into position?
The answers to these questions will help you determine the
discard to make.
Two Pairs Royal
This is a difficult hand. No matter what you discard, it will be
giving your opponent points or other scoring opportunities.
Let's assume that you are at hole 96 and your opponent is at hole
94. It's your opponents Crib. What should you discard?
Answer: There are no good discard choices. However, the
best discard is the pair of 2s.
First, 2-3 is probably the worst discard. It now only
gives your opponent fifteen possibilities, but also sets up run
Second, considering that you have three 3s in your
hand, two 2s aren't as likely to hurt you.
Third, remember that it is better to discard even cards into the
Crib. Even cards tend to do less damage than odd cards.
Of course, if it was your deal, I would suggest throwing 2-3
into your own Crib.
Let's assume that it is a close game on third street. You are at
hole 78 and your opponent is at hole 81. It is your opponent's deal.
Again, you are in a sticky situation. No matter what you do, you
must discard points to your opponent.
The best discard would be the pair of 8s. First,
7-8 gives your opponent a fifteen and a set up for a
Secondly, remember that it is better to throw even cards into the
Crib. Odd cards make the hand.
- Republished from Cribbage: A New Concept by
permission. Text copyright © 2002 by John Chambers. All rights
Previous | Next