The number 29 represents the highest possible score that can be achieved in a single hand in the game of Cribbage. This is a rare and noteworthy achievement due to the specific combination of cards required to reach it. Here's why the number 29 is significant in Cribbage and what it entails:
Composition of a 29 Hand:
- To score 29 points, a player must have three 5s and a Jack in their hand, with the starter card (the card turned up on the deck after the deal and before the play begins) being the fourth 5. The Jack must be of the same suit as the starter card to score one point for "nobs" (having a Jack of the same suit as the starter card in one's hand).
- The scoring breakdown for this hand is as follows:
- Twelve points for the pairs: Since there are three 5s in the hand and one 5 as the starter card, there are six possible pair combinations (each pair of 5s scores 2 points).
- Sixteen points for combinations adding up to 15: Each 5 can pair with the Jack to make 15, and since there are four possible 5s (including the starter card), this results in 16 points (each combination scoring 2 points).
- One point for "nobs": Having a Jack in hand that matches the suit of the starter card.
Rarity:
- The precise alignment of cards needed to achieve a 29 hand makes it the rarest and highest-scoring hand in Cribbage. The odds of being dealt this perfect hand are 1 in 216,580 hands, making it an exceptionally rare occurrence.
The Cribbage Board:
- Many Cribbage boards have a special marker or inscription denoting the 29-point hand, often accompanied by an illustration or representation of the hand itself. This not only highlights the rarity and special status of the 29 hand but also serves as a fun aspect of Cribbage culture and tradition.
Symbolism and Tradition:
- The 29 hand has taken on a symbolic status among Cribbage players, representing a mix of ultimate achievement and sheer luck. Achieving a 29 hand is something many players dream of but few ever experience, making it a celebrated event in the world of Cribbage.
Due to its rarity and the maximum points it represents, the 29 hand is often referred to as the "perfect hand" in Cribbage, even though it does not guarantee a win in the game. It remains a pinnacle of achievement and a source of fascination and aspiration for Cribbage players around the world.