Retired Army veteran Bill Brown is bringing a lifetime love of cribbage to Owensboro with the launch of Surely’s Noddy Bourbon Barrels, the city’s first American Cribbage Congress (ACC) sanctioned grassroots club.
The group, officially designated as Grass Roots Club #501, aims to blend the classic card game with Kentucky’s signature bourbon culture in a social, welcoming environment. Their venue, American Legion Post #9, will host exhibitions and tournaments.
“I’ve been playing cribbage since I was 7 or 8. My grandmother, Shirley Trost, taught me, and I’ve played my whole life,” Brown said. “Three months ago, I discovered the American Cribbage Congress even existed, and it opened up a whole new world I never knew about.”
What began as a simple curiosity turned into a passion project. After learning that the nearest grassroots cribbage club was in Louisville, Brown decided to start one himself.
“I joined the ACC, created a logo, designed flyers, and started spreading the word. It all came together faster than I expected,” he said.
Surely’s Noddy Bourbon Barrells will meet on the first and third Fridays of each month, with hopes to build a consistent player base. The ACC season runs September through May, and every grassroots club crowns a champion eligible for prestigious national events like the Tournament of Champions in Reno, Nevada, or the Grand National Championship, which this year takes place in Niagara.
So far, Brown has recruited four members and has leads on several others. To officially sanction their nine-game tournament play, the club needs at least six members. He hopes the momentum will keep growing.
“Honestly, I just want to connect people,” Brown said. “I didn’t know anyone else in the area played until I put this out there. Now we’re finding each other.”
Brown also noted the club’s name pays homage to cribbage’s roots. The game originated from a precursor called “Noddy,” and Brown’s club name honors both that history and his grandmother Shirley, who inspired his lifelong love of the game.
In addition to tournaments, the club is launching branded apparel through Artwork Express, and Brown has ordered 40 tournament-regulation cribbage boards in anticipation of the club’s growth.
Whether you’re a seasoned player or curious beginner, Brown says there’s a place at the table.
“This isn’t about dusty old basements,” he said. “It’s about people coming together, having a great time, and sharing a game that’s meant a lot to me and my family.”
To join or learn more, contact Bill Brown at 757-876-0043 or [email protected]. The next exhibition-style meetups will take place at American Legion Post #9.
