A cribbage game earlier this year produced a once-in-a-lifetime hand for Carstairs resident Herb Ferguson.
During the weekly crib game at the Crossfield Golden Key Club in February, Ferguson drew a 29-point hand--a rare feat comparable to a Royal Flush in poker.
“It’s really hard to get,” said Airdrie senior Richard Montgomery, who was playing in the game.
“My father-in-law played every day of his life from the time he was about eight years old. He lived to be 92, and he never had one--and never saw one either,” said Montgomery.
In order to score a 29-point hand in crib, a player has to be dealt three fives, as well as a Jack that is not the same suit as any of the three fives. Then, the cut card (the one turned over before the pegging phase) must be the remaining five.
“That adds up to 29 points,” Montgomery said.
According to CribbageCorner.com, odds of being dealt the elusive hand are one in 216,580.
Montgomery said Ferguson didn't initially realize the 29, but after it was pointed out, everyone's excitement level around the table was amplified.
“Someone sitting next to him said, ‘Holy cow, you’ve got a 29!’” Everyone jumped up and people ran for their cameras. They were taking pictures and there was great excitement.”
The senior said this is the first he knows of a game of crib at the Crossfield Golden Key Club that has produced a 29-point hand.
“And the club has been around for 50-plus years,” he said, adding they have approximately 80 members at the moment, many who play crib regularly.
Montgomery said the club created a special plaque to commemorate Ferguson's achievement, shaped like a cribbage board, with the date of the game and his name stencilled on it.
