The stinkhole in cribbage is a term used to describe the 120th hole on the cribbage board, which is just one short of winning the game. This particular hole is referred to as the stinkhole because finding yourself in it is not a desirable situation. When you reach this hole, it means that you are extremely close to winning the game, but you have not quite reached the finish line yet.
In cribbage, players move their pegs along the board to keep track of their score. The objective is to be the first player to reach the last hole on the board, which is the 121st hole, also known as the winning hole. However, before reaching that point, players must pass through the stinkhole.
One common optional rule in cribbage is that if a player finds themselves in the stinkhole, they are not allowed to peg out on a Jack or a go. This means that if a player has a Jack in their hand during the play or they have the opportunity to make a go (play a card that brings the total to 15 or 31), they cannot peg any points for these moves.
The reason behind this rule is to add an extra challenge and strategy to the game. Being in the stinkhole puts players in a precarious position, as they are so close to winning but must navigate through this final hurdle. By restricting the ability to peg out on a Jack or a go, players are forced to carefully consider their moves and find alternative ways to score points and ultimately reach the winning hole.
Personally, I have found myself in the stinkhole on several occasions while playing cribbage. It can be both frustrating and exciting at the same time. Knowing that you are just one peg away from winning can create a sense of anticipation and pressure. The rule regarding Jacks and go adds an additional layer of strategy to the game, as you have to find creative ways to score points without relying on these common scoring opportunities.
The stinkhole in cribbage refers to the 120th hole on the cribbage board, one short of winning the game. It is named as such because being in this position can be challenging and frustrating. The optional rule of not pegging out on a Jack or a go when in the stinkhole adds an extra level of strategy to the game. navigating through the stinkhole requires careful planning and decision-making to ultimately reach the winning hole.