Ultimate Cribbage

So I don't know if this is legal - but I've gone and done it anyway.  And I am assuming you all ready know how to play Cribbage.

A friend of mine were playing Cribbage one day during break at work and well, played the game the way we always wanted to.  Here is what we came up with.

We have changed just a few of the rules - like the rule that says if the crib has all spades and the turn up card isn't a spade you can't count it.  Dumb rule.  In my version of Ultimate crib - this rule does not exist.

Have you ever been dealt 6 of the most perfect cards and then had to figure out which two to get rid of?  Stupid question - of course you have - well in Ultimate Crib you get to keep those six perfect cards and play them.

So this is a game of cribbage - played the way you've always wanted to play it.  29 is no longer the highest score.  I really don't know what the highest score is but I've seen 42 hands.

All scoring rules are the same as regular crib.  15 - pairs - runs of 3 or more and all one suit and same Jack.

differences -  you deal 6 cards to every player - they can keep all six or change 2 or even just one card.  If you choose to change two - you put the two cards you don't want into the "crib" and take two more cards from the deck.  If you just want to change one card - you put your one card in the "crib" and take one card from the deck to your hand and one to the "crib".  If you choose to keep all 6 cards then two cards are taken from the deck and put into the "crib".

Now you just play as usual - scoring for 15 and runs and pairs as you lay down your cards.  At the end of the hand you score the same only now you might have a 12 point double run or a 24 point double double run hand.

Now this also makes the "crib"  not as exciting because it should only have 4 cards in it.

Now the other difference is the turn up card.  How many times have you cut the deck and looked on the bottom of the top cut wishing you could take that card?  Well, in Ultimate Crib you can.  Both the bottom card from the top cut and the top card from the bottom cut are exposed.  Each player can choose which card they want to use as their cut card.  You cannot use both cards.  After declaring which card they are using the cards are placed on or beside the deck and play begins.

Now these rules are for 2 players - for three and 4 players you would play with 5 cards and only exchange one card with the deck - making sure the crib only has 4 cards.

Now another option would be that the dealer who gets the crib scores his hand and then adds the crib to his hand and scores with 10 cards.  This score can get really high and the game goes quickly.  But we don't always use this option.  Another option we have played - for honest players - if you are dealt 6 cards and do not have any points at all in those 6 cards you can put them back in the deck and pick 6 new cards from anywhere in the deck.  Then that is it - those are the cards you play.

I think this is a fun way to play - but I have a true blue Cribbage fan friend who refuses to play this way.  Oh well...........