Noddy

Noddy is an old English game that means “simpleton” and is the actual parent of the game of cribbage.

Number of Players

The game is played with 2 players.

Set Up

• A 52-card deck
• A cribbage board

Deal three cards to both players. Next, players choose the point values that are either 15, 21, or 31. Finally, cut the deck and the person who is not the dealer will flip over the top card. If it is a Jack, the dealer scores “Knave Noddy” and moves the peg 2 spots on the cribbage board.

Game Play

At the start of each turn, the player reveals a card from the deck. This card can be used in card combinations. Each turn, starting with the player who is not the dealer, the player announces, but does not reveal, their combinations. They then move the peg that many points scored. If the player exceeds the set score, the other player wins. If the player does not want to proceed any further, they announce “Go” and the next player goes. This is repeated until there are either no more cards in the deck or a player meets or exceeds the set score. Once the last card is played, that player pegs 1 point for the “Go” or 2 if the card makes it exacty the set score called the “Hitter”.

Scoring

When combining cards, Aces are low.

Pairs:

• A basic pair is worth 2 points.
• Pair royal (two of the same suit and also called “prial”) is worth 6 points.
• Double pair royal (four of the same suit) is worth 12 points.

If the points of the cards in play are worth 15 or 25 after the card is played, the player scores 2 points.

If the player has a run (cards in sequential but not same suit order):

• Three cards are worth 1 point.
• Four cards are worth 2 points.

If the player has a flush (cards in sequential but of same suit order):

• Three cards are worth 3 point.
• Four cards are worth 4 points.

If the player reveals a Jack of the same suit as the turn up card, that player scores 1 point.

Runs and flushes more than 4 cards are worth 1 point for every card above 4.

Winning the Game

The first player to not exceed the set score wins the game. If one player exceeds the set score, the player who does not exceed the set score wins.