Fifteen for two

I learned how to play cribbage a few years ago, and usually take my board out for a game or two a couple of times each month.
Playing cribbage well certainly takes skill and understanding of the rules, but you also need the right cards. My usual cribbage opponent is either my father or my brother, who both understand the rules of the game. When we play two games, it's rare when one of us will win both.
That's why I was so surprised last Saturday to win five straight games in a cribbage tournament that was held in conjunction with a local town festival in my Minnesota county. After paying a $10 entry fee (as did some 25 other cribbage players into a pool), my winning streak earned me a first-prize cut equalling more than $110. (I'm awaiting the check this week.)
My first of five games was the closest on Saturday, when my opponent reached the 120-point mark (or the "stink hole") after counting his points for a hand only to see me sneak past him for that magical 121st point from my hand without even needing to check the cards in the "crib."
Man, did he think he was hot stuff, as though there would be no way he could lose in the first round.
It was my most satisfying win of the day.
I was dealt some great hands in later games; I remember trying to let my poker face conceal my glee when I was dealt three 10's and a 5 at one point. The card that was cut for the deck in that hand was another 5. Read the rules, and you'll know that was a blessing.
In a couple of my games on Saturday, I led my opponent by more than 20 points at the end, even "skunking" my opponent in one of the wins (meaning that opponent had not gotten past 90 points before I reached 121).
Except for my first opponent Saturday (the guy that seemed to act like everyone else there was beneath him in ability), I struck up good, cordial conversations with each of the others. Cribbage is a friendly game, and should be treated as such. And it can be a great game to teach to children (dare I say better than Texas Hold 'Em?) to build and reinforce counting skills.
My only regret? That I'll have to make a point of registering for the same cribbage tournament in 2008. But I'll enjoy being there.
What will happen with my weekend windfall? Well, my brother was one of the 25 other competitors Saturday in the double-elimination tournament. He won his first game, but lost the next two to send him home early. Before the tournament, he and I had talked about wanting to catch "The Simpsons Movie" together on opening weekend (July 27-29). After telling him that I'd won the tournament, I promised that the movie and a dinner on Saturday the 28th would be my treat.
I'm looking forward to it.