24 and a Head Spin

My dad's side of the family have been playing crib since they were born. I'm so not kidding. In fact, many of them were likely born holding a crib board and a deck of cards. Which, when you think about it, would be very difficult on the mothers. I mean, giving birth is one thing, but giving birth to a baby holding a deck of cards and a crib board must be terribly uncomfortable.

I've only been playing crib for...oh, maybe the last year and a half or so. And never on a regular basis, so it takes me a while to warm up when I start. When I do play, it's normally against my dad, who is highly particular about the etiquette when it comes to playing crib: how you hold your cards, how you lay your cards down, how you count, etc. etc. And, he has started counting in German for some reason that I'm sure it will take a shrink for me to understand.

So, you can imagine his frustration when he plays me, who is math dumb and takes forever to count cards. And often doesn't count points correctly, or forgets to take points at all - "one for his nibs", for example. He calls it a travesty of justice when I do beat him. I call it IN YOUR FACE, DAD!!! HA!

So there we were playing last weekend (always for a dollar each a game), and I get this hand that takes me a bit by surprise. Let me back up a bit - my dad is adamant - ADAMANT - that you know your points before you lay your hand down. Count 'em up and throw 'em down!

Anyhow, I have this hand that I know is going to take me a while to count. My dad counts up his hand, takes his points and I lay mine down.

Me: Ok, this may take me a bit...

Dad: Sigh....

Me: So, 2, 4, 6, 8, ...wait. Is that eight? Hang on.

Dad: (Dramatically dropping his head to his chest) SNORE....

Me: Wait, so if that's 8, and that's 8, but that's also 8...no, not possible...

By now my dad has developed this little twitch in his left eye. Not good.

Me: I'm counting, I'm counting! That's 8, that's 8, that's 8....is this right?

I look up, and see that my dad's head has slowly started to spin like that scene in the Exorcist.

Me: Uhm, could this be a 24 hand?

Dad: (Dropping his head dramatically onto the table) Yes.

Me: YAY! I got a 24 hand! I GOT A 24 HAND!

Dad: You....when you count...I...(exasperated sigh)

I won that game. I think my dad needed a nap after that.