Video Conference Cribbage

Introduction

Video Conference Cribbage is a real-life card game adapted for play on video calls. Our goal is to bring Cribbage to the virtual world while maintaining the integrity of the game. We created gameplay rules and procedures to play on a video call using real playing cards.

Our example game uses a standard version of Cribbage. The gameplay method can be adapted to your preferred version of the game and house rules. We do not explain rules unrelated to how to play on a video call.

Video Conference Cribbage is played by 2 players from 2 locations or 3 players from 2 or 3 locations. This step-by-step instruction guide includes Communications Device Set-Up, Gameplay Set-Up, Gameplay System, and Example Gameplay. We describe how to play with 2 players, then provide game variations for 3 players.

Game Set-Up

Each location's card-playing area doesn't need to be on camera unless required by a house rule. See "Communications Device Set-Up."

Video Conference Cribbage uses a Split Deck system to simulate real-life play. The Split Decks are created from a standard 52-card deck equally divided into 2 Split Decks. The Split Decks for Video Conference Cribbage are the "Aces Low Red Aces Deck" and the "Aces Low Black Aces Deck." These decks are opposite Split Decks. Aces are low with a denomination of 1.

Aces Low Red Aces Deck

Clubs: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, Q, (even numbers)

Diamonds: A, 3, 5, 7, 9, J, K, (odd numbers)

Hearts: A, 3, 5, 7, 9, J, K, (odd numbers)

Spades: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, Q, (even numbers)

Aces Low Black Aces Deck

Clubs: A, 3, 5, 7, 9, J, K, (odd numbers)

Diamonds: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, Q, (even numbers)

Hearts: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, Q, (even numbers)

Spades: A, 3, 5, 7, 9, J, K, (odd numbers)

To make the Spilt Decks, separate a standard 52-card deck into suits, and organize the suits into odd and even number cards. Then combine the odd number red suits with the even number black suits and the odd number black suits with the even number red suits. During gameplay, refer to the Split Decks as the "Red Aces Deck" and the "Black Aces Deck."

Gameplay System

Our example game has 2 players from 2 locations with 1 player in each location. The "Game Variations" section describes variations in gameplay procedures for 3 players.

The players determine who the dealer is to start the game. The Dealer decides which Split Deck they wish to use in their location. The opposite Split Deck is used in the other location. The other Split Decks are set aside and not used.

Each player deals themself 6 cards, with the remaining cards becoming the Pack in each location. The packs are placed in the card-playing area for each location.

Each player sets aside 2 cards face-down from their hand for the Dealer’s Crib. The cards are placed in the card-playing area for each location. These cards will be turned face-up at the end of the hand for the Dealer to count their Crib points.

The player who is not the Dealer cuts their Pack and turns over the top card to determine the Starter Card (cut card). If the player cuts a Jack, the Dealer gets 2 points. Both players use the Starter Card to count points.

The player who is not the Dealer plays the first card to start gameplay for pegging points, followed by the Dealer. The gameplay continues until all cards are played, and pegging is complete. As cards are played, they are placed in a card-playing area.

Game Variations:

3 Players from 3 Locations

A 3-player game in 3 locations is played with the same gameplay system as the 2-player game, with the following variations:

This game variation is played by 1 player in one location, 1 player in a second location, and 1 player in a third location. The same Split Decks are used in two locations and an opposite Split Deck in the third location. The Dealer decides which Split Decks are used in each location. The other Split Decks are set aside and not used.

Each player deals themself 5 cards, with the remaining cards becoming the Pack in each location. The Dealer deals an additional card face-down for the crib.

Each player sets aside 1 card face-down from their hand for the Dealer's Crib and places the card in their card-playing area. These cards and the crib card dealt by the Dealer are turned face-up at the end of the hand for the Dealer to count their Crib points.

A player who is not the Dealer cuts their Pack and turns over the top card to determine the Starter Card (cut card). All players use the Starter Card to count points.

The player who cut their Pack plays the first card to start gameplay for pegging points. The other player who is not the Dealer is the next to play, followed by the Dealer.

3 Players from 2 Locations

A 3-player game from 2 locations is played with the same gameplay system as the 3-player game from 3 locations, with the following variations:

This game variation is played by 2 players in one location and 1 player in a second location. Players in the 2-player location each use opposite Split Decks. The player in the second location uses either of the Split Decks. The Dealer decides which Split Decks are used by each player in each location. The other Split Deck is set aside and not used.

The players in the 2-player location can have their own card-playing areas or share a card-playing area. If they share a card-playing area, each of their Packs are placed in this area, as well as their played cards which are kept separate. These players can choose to have their own device/screen to watch the other players.

Game Flow Tips

Players should review the game's rules before learning to play on a video call.

Players can benefit from learning to play with the game set-up and rules in a real-life setting. Players sit across a table with their cribbage board, Pack, and card-playing area to do this.

Each hand should have a coordinator or lead, such as the Dealer. The host of the video conference can also play this role.

A cribbage board should be used in each location to track points. Points should be verified after pegging and after each hand. If possible, one player is responsible for all pegging using an on-camera cribbage board.

A house rule to increase the number of potential points in each hand and speed up the game is that the Dealer cuts a second Starter Card from their Pack. All players use both Starter Cards to count points. If either player cuts a Jack, the Dealer gets 2 points.

A house rule is that players can play with the same Split Deck for the entire match.

A house rule for a 3-player game is that players can play with the same Split Deck for the entire match. In this situation, players do not get points for having a jack in the same suit as the Starter Card(s).

An alternative 3-player game system is where players alternate sitting out for a hand or game while the other players use 2-player rules.

House Rules Notes

We recommend that you document your house rules and game variations.

From The Author

Thank you for purchasing our book. We hope “Video Conference Card Games” bring you many hours of enjoyment with family and friends.

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