For over 400 years, people have been enjoying playing Cribbage, and we finally have cribbage-themed playing cards.

It all started in the early 1600s, and yes, we Cribbage players know the name Sir John Suckling. This young man created the card game that we all love/hate. Cribbage has been around for approximately 400 years. So, I think it is time that a deck of playing cards was created to honor Sir John and let the Cribbage community have something to show for our love of the game.

As I looked at the image of Sir John Suckling, he looked like a Jack. It was like the “Jack” was modeled after him. The long, curly hair, the mustache, and a slight goatee—a light bulb went off in my head. I wanted to create a deck of playing cards with a cribbage theme.  Okay, this should be interesting and fun. Let’s get creative. The Jack will resemble Sir John Suckling. Well, we all know the term “having the right jack.” So the Jacks will be holding, in one hand, the correct-suited “5,” indicating that the right Jack must be displayed to get the beloved “29.”

Now, if you look closely at the Queen, you will see that each one is holding a flower in her hand. Since there are four scores you cannot get in Cribbage (19, 25, 26, 27). Each Queen’s flower will display one of those scores.

Here comes the King. During my lifetime, I’ve heard the phrase “According to Hoyle” many times. The English writer is best known for his writing of rules and the play of games. Once again, looking at Mr. Hoyle, he looked fitting of a King, minus the beard. So the Kings in this Cribbage-themed playing card deck will resemble Edmond Hoyle, minus the beard.