In cribbage, "his nibs" refers to the Jack of the same suit as the turn-up card, which awards the player an extra point during the hand counting phase.
Understanding "His Nibs" in Cribbage
The term "his nibs" is an alternative, often more colloquial, way of referring to "nobs" or "knobs" in the game of cribbage. It specifically pertains to a scoring opportunity that arises when a player holds a particular Jack in their hand.
What is Nobs?
"Nobs" is the primary term used in cribbage for the Jack of the suit that matches the turn-up card (also known as the "starter" card). If, for instance, the turn-up card is the Four of Diamonds, then the Jack of Diamonds is considered "nobs."
When a player holds this specific Jack in their hand, they score an additional point. This point is commonly called:
- "One for nobs"
- "One for knobs"
- "One for his nob"
- "One for his nibs"
How is "His Nibs" Scored?
The point for "his nibs" is scored at the end of the hand, during the counting phase, after all other scoring combinations have been identified. It's a straightforward additional point awarded to the player whose hand or crib contains the Jack matching the turn-up card's suit.
Let's illustrate with an example:
- Imagine the turn-up card is the Queen of Spades.
- During the deal, you were dealt a hand that includes the Jack of Spades.
- Regardless of other cards in your hand, you automatically score one point for holding the Jack of Spades, which is "his nibs" (or "nobs") in this scenario.
This scoring element adds a small but significant layer to cribbage strategy, as even a single point can be the difference between winning and losing a game.
Key Terms Related to Nobs
To further clarify, here's a quick overview of related terminology:
| Term | Description | Points Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| Nobs | The standard term for the Jack of the same suit as the turn-up card. | 1 |
| Knobs | An alternative spelling for "nobs," sometimes used interchangeably. | 1 |
| His Nob | A phrase indicating the single point scored for holding the "nobs" card. | 1 |
| His Nibs | Another phrase, often more informal or playful, referring to the single point scored for holding the "nobs" card. It particularly emphasizes the Jack itself as holding a special status. | 1 |
| Turn-up Card | Also known as the "starter" card, this is the card cut from the deck after the deal and placed face up. Its suit determines which Jack is "nobs." Find out more about basic cribbage rules and terminology on resources like Bicycle Cards. | N/A |
In summary, "his nibs" is a specific term in cribbage that rewards a player with one point for holding the Jack that matches the suit of the central turn-up card.
