We have had Mrs. Lillingstone and the Chamberlaynes to call on us. My mother was very much struck with the odd looks of the two latter; I have only seen her. Mrs. Busby drinks tea and plays at cribbage here tomorrow; and on Friday, I believe, we go to the Chamberlaynes’. Last night we walked by the Canal. – Jane Austen, Letter to Cassandra, 1801
In cribbage, a game still popular today, following the rules of etiquette is important, and a certain order was kept in cutting, dealing, pegging, playing, and using terminology. Sir John Suckling (shades of Mrs. Elton in Emma), a 17th century courtier and poet who was known for his gaming skills, is credited with having invented the game. Based on an earlier English game, Noddy, cribbage was played with five cards in its earliest form, and the crib consisted of one card discarded by each player.
Cribbage board made of bone, 1820
Learn more about the game in the following links:
Jane Austen's World 
lovely image, great game, interesting site!
[…] Games Played in the Regency Era: Cribbage […]
[…] soon drove us back. Candles lighted, tea-table and gentlemen soon came together. I made the tea. Cribbage was proposed, and I consented to be of the party, thinking it would be some relief to Lord Hillsborough; at ten […]
Hi, I have an english project that I have to do. I am doing a regency project about entertainment of that day. Part of the requirements is to obtain permission to use pictures without getting into the copy right infringement thing. I would like to obtain permission to use the picture of the two men playing cards at the table. Please reply soon :)
Thank you,
Nate