Kings Cribbage (1997) Board Game

Kings Cribbage is a classic cribbage board game that was released in 1997 by CoCoCo. It is designed by Gary Cowley and falls under the category of Abstract Strategy games. The game is designed for 2-4 players and has a runtime of around 30 minutes.

Game Components of Kings Cribbage

104 tiles: Representing two decks of cards, with each tile marked like a suit of cards (A-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-J-Q-K), and divided into two colors (light and dark).

Raised-grid gameboard: Where players lay out their tiles.

Tile holders: For each player.

Cribbage board: For scoring.

How To Setup Kings Cribbage

To set up the game, each player draws a tile to determine who goes first; the highest tile goes first. Every player then draws five tiles as their starting “hand” and places them on their tile holder. The remaining tiles are put in a drawing bag.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective

Outscore opponents by creating or extending Crib Hands with the tiles.

Gameplay Mechanics

Hand Management: Players manage their tiles to create scoring combinations.

Tile Placement: Tiles must be placed in a straight line, either horizontally or vertically, and must interact with existing tiles on the board.

Cribbage Scoring: Combinations include runs, pairs, and fifteens.

Fifteens: Combinations totaling 15 score 2 points.

Runs: Sequences of 3, 4, or 5 tiles score 3, 4, or 5 points respectively.

Pairs: 2 points per pair.

Three of a kind: 6 points.

Four of a kind: 12 points.

Five of a kind: 20 points.

Bonuses: First player to start gets 10 points, using all 5 tiles in one turn earns 10 points, and creating a hand of five tiles of the same color earns 10 points.

Player Experience

Kings Cribbage offers a engaging and strategic gameplay experience. Despite initial concerns about the game bogging down due to non-scoring hands, players often find that tiles can be played effectively throughout the game. The game requires Counting and Strategy skills, making it appealing to both cribbage and Scrabble enthusiasts.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Combines the scoring of cribbage with the tile placement of Scrabble.

High Replay Value: With 104 tiles and various combinations, each game can be different.

Flexibility: Supports 2 to 4 players, including team play and solo options.

Engaging Bonuses: Adds an extra layer of strategy with bonuses for first player, using all tiles, and same-color hands.

Cons

Learning Curve: Some players may find the rules not terribly easy to pick up.

Component Management: Keeping track of the tiles and scoring can be complex.

Endgame Scoring: Leftover tiles are deducted from the final score, which can be a bit tedious to calculate.

Personal Thoughts on Kings Cribbage

Kings Cribbage is ideal for those who enjoy strategic games with a mix of luck and skill. It is particularly suited for fans of cribbage and Scrabble, offering a unique twist that combines the best elements of both. While it may have a slight learning curve, the game’s depth and replayability make it a worthwhile addition to any board game collection. It’s a great choice for families or groups looking for a game that challenges and entertains.

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