Crud (game) - Rules

Rules

Crud is a competitive, team sport. Each member of the two teams has three lives. The exception to this rule in some establishments is for "virgins", those who have never played the game before, who are given an additional life. A team's order of play is established at the beginning of a game and recorded on the scoreboard. A team must play in order. Anyone caught playing out of turn loses a life.

Prior to the lag, the referee does a roll call to verify the presence of all players. Anyone not present at the time of a roll call has his/her name erased and may not play in the game. Once all persons have been verified, a lag is performed.

In the event of an uneven number of players wishing to be involved with a crud match, a ghost may be assigned to a team missing the required number of players. In the event of a ghost player, the first three lives not assigned as the first life to a player, will be awarded to the ghost. Once the ghost is gone, play resumes as normal.

There will be at least one referee who is usually positioned centered on one of the long sides and must be holding a beverage in a cup. This beverage (usually alcoholic) ensures the referee’s physical safety: if he/she is bumped/jostled in such a way as to spill the beverage, the offending player loses a life and must replace the beverage. Particularly hostile games or games where the referee's neutrality is questionable may also employ a Linesman to assist the referee and are situated at opposite ends (the short ends) of the table; both are required to have beverages. In addition, a scorekeeper is sometimes used to keep track of lives lost and must also hold a drink at all times.

The referee’s rulings are final and he/she may change or make up additional rules on a whim. Arguing with the referee is authorized; however, intelligence and sportsmanship may become suspect if it continues unabated. Continual quibbling may be penalized by the loss of a life.