The Godfather of Cribbage
The Godfather of Cribbage
Seth Huisman, a beloved resident at Cornwall Manor Retirement Community, enjoys a nightly ritual that brings joy and connection to his life. Every evening, he sits in his cozy living room, iPad in hand, ready to play three games of Cribbage with his son, Steve, who resides in Texas. This family tradition is more than just a game; it is a cherished time for Seth to bond with Steve and his daughter-in-law, Susan, through the app “Cribbage with Friends.”
Cribbage dates back to the 17th century and waws invented by Sir John Suckling. He was a poet, soldier, and gambler who reportedly cheated many of his nobleman friends by sending them packs of marked cards as gifts and then teaching cribbage to them using the marked decks so that he could win large sums of money. Cribbage has been a part of Seth’s life for as long as he could remember. He had learned the game from his father and had passed it down to every member of his family. Now, at 95 years old, Seth is known as the “godfather of Cribbage” at Cornwall Manor, a title he wears proudly.
One evening, while Seth and Steve were engrossed in their usual Cribbage games, they encountered some glitches in the app. Frustrated but determined to continue their tradition, Steve reached out to the app’s developer, Colin Ference, who lived in Canada. Colin was incredibly responsive, eager to rectify the issue and improve the app. Through their email exchanges, Steve shared the heartwarming story of how he played Cribbage every night with his father, despite the distance between Pennsylvania and Texas.
Moved by their story, Colin asked to connect with Seth. Soon, Seth found himself playing four games of Cribbage with Colin through the app. It was a delightful experience, and Seth appreciated Colin’s dedication to making the app better for everyone.
Cribbage is a classic card game that involves strategy and skill. The objective is to be the first player to reach 121 points. The game typically involves 2, 3 or 4 players, using a standard deck of 52 cards and a cribbage board to keep score. Each player selects cards from their hand to place face down into the “crib.” A non-dealer cuts the deck, and the dealer reveals the top card (the starter card). This card is used in scoring later. Players take turns playing one card at a time, announcing the cumulative total of the cards played. Points are scored for combinations like pairs, runs and reaching totals of 15 or 31. After all cards are played, players score their hands. Points are awarded for combinations of cards that add up to 15, pairs, runs, and flushes. The starter card is used in each player’s hand for scoring. The dealer scores the crib using the same rules as scoring hands. The first player to reach 121 points wins. Points are tracked using pegs on the cribbage board. Cribbage is a fun and engaging game that combines luck and strategy.
Every Wednesday, Seth heads to the Wellness Center Club Room at 1 PM to play Cribbage with fellow residents of Cornwall Manor. Using actual boards and cards, anywhere from 2-10 residents gather to enjoy each other’s company and the game that Seth had introduced to the community years ago with former resident Larry Warner. Seth has taught many people how to play, including his family, and Cribbage has become a staple in their lives. Steve even wrote a song, “Playing Cribbage with my Dad,” which is circulating on Facebook and YouTube, celebrating their special bond.
Seth believed that Cribbage was more than just a game; it was a cognitive exercise that keeps his mind sharp. The simple math and strategic thinking involved are good for his cognition, and he thoroughly enjoys the socialization and fellowship it brought.
In addition to Cribbage, Seth stays active by playing billiards, participating in the annual senior games in late August, and walking with his neighborhood group every day. He and his wife, Livvy, moved to Cornwall Manor in January 2009, settling into a quaint rancher on Treetop Circle.
Seth’s life at Cornwall Manor is filled with joy, connection and the love of Cribbage. As the “Godfather of Cribbage,” he continues to share his passion for the game, creating lasting memories with his family and friends.
