Mugged by a micro!

Crib, from Micro-Aid, is a computer implementation of the favourite pub game. In this version each player is dealt five cards, and each game lasts two "streets" or 61 points.

There are two levels of play, allowing the novice a chance to learn the tactics of the game before going on to higher things.

A "muggins" option is available which, if accepted, means that should you fail to include possible scores in.your count then your opponent claims them by default.

There is a further option whereby if you can't work out the score held in your hand the computer will do it for you.

Play pauses every time a score is made and waits for you to press the Spacebar before proceeding.

This is useful, as I found the screen cluttered and graphically disappointing, but it does allow you to see what's going on.

I very much liked the way the scores were shown broken down into groups of fifteens, pairs, runs, and so on.

It was also a great help to see my cards rearranged numerically from left to right when choosing which two to throw into the crib.

Mind you, it didn't help to see my cards whisked away just as I realised that I had made a mistake! Perhaps it would have been better to have had to press Return at this point to enter them.

Oh, yes, and while on single-key entry, don't pause too long between entering the 1 and Oof say 10 scored, otherwise the machine will "mug" you for nine!

There is one serious fault in the program.

The Escape key is not always disabled and, sitting beside number 1 as it does, it should be.

I would also like to see the random generator "seeded" for every game and something done about the sound, which is a joke.

However, I enjoyed playing K.V. Meader's cribbage and felt that for most of the time I was sitting opposite an experienced player.

I am sure this value for money game will give hours of enjoyment and make you think at the same time.

Alan Farman