IBM Ponder This #028 · August 2000

Here are some cribbage puzzles proposed by Denis Borris. (Thanks, Denis!) For the rules of cribbage you can visit the site
http://www.cs.montana.edu/~paxton/cribbage.html
Caveat: although these rules refer to a 61-point game, here we are playing a 121-point game.

Puzzle 1:
Did you know it is possible for you to win 121 to 8 after 2 rounds only?
(That is, the cards are dealt twice, in a two-handed game. The opponents cooperate to make this happen; optimal play is not assumed.)

Puzzle 2:
During the first pegging round of a four-handed game (two against two), the score reaches 43-0.

Puzzle 3:
(A two-handed game):
The game starts and Jack wins first deal.
The first pegging round just ended; John pegged ZERO points.
But Jack (as usual!) pegged the MAXIMUM possible points.
What 4 cards did Jack have, and what 4 cards did John have?
Hint: Jack did not have a 5.

Puzzle 4:
6card Crib
New cribbage game:
-each player gets 6 cards
-that's it: no discards or deck cutting
-no change in the pegging and point counting
OK; first deal: your opponent plays first;
this first deal ends with you getting the maximum
points possible while your opponent gets ZERO points;
includes the pegging points and the hand points.
What are your 6 cards?

Solution

Best opened after a real attempt

To be added.