How to Play Cribbage
Overview
Cribbage is a classic two-player card game invented in the 1600s by Sir John Suckling. The game combines luck and skill across two distinct phases — the play (pegging) and the show (counting). Players score points by forming combinations of cards totaling 15, creating pairs and runs, and achieving flushes.
What You Need
- A standard 52-card deck (no jokers)
- A Cribbage board with pegs for scorekeeping
- 2 players (3-4 player variations exist)
Setup
- Cut the deck to determine the first dealer (lowest card deals).
- The dealer shuffles and deals 6 cards to each player.
- Each player selects 2 cards to discard face down to the "crib" (a separate hand for the dealer).
- The non-dealer cuts the remaining deck. The dealer reveals the top card — this is the "starter" or "cut card."
- If the starter is a Jack, the dealer scores 2 points ("his heels" or "nibs").
The Play (Pegging)
The non-dealer leads by playing one card face up and announcing its value. Players alternate, adding their card values to a running total that cannot exceed 31.
Pegging Scoring:
- 15: 2 points for making the cumulative total exactly 15
- Pair: 2 points for playing a card of the same rank as the previous card
- Three of a kind: 6 points (pair royal)
- Four of a kind: 12 points (double pair royal)
- Run: 1 point per card for a sequence of 3+ cards (order does not matter)
- 31: 2 points for reaching exactly 31
- Last card: 1 point for playing the last card before 31 (if not exactly 31)
The Show (Counting Hands)
After pegging, players count their hands. The non-dealer counts first, then the dealer, then the crib.
Each hand is scored using the 4 hand cards plus the starter card (5 cards total):
- Fifteens: 2 points for each combination of cards totaling exactly 15
- Pairs: 2 points per pair
- Runs: 1 point per card in a sequence of 3+ consecutive cards
- Flush: 4 points if all 4 hand cards are the same suit (5 points if starter also matches)
- Nobs: 1 point for holding the Jack of the same suit as the starter
Crib note: The crib cannot score a 4-card flush; it must be a 5-card flush including the starter.
Winning
The first player to reach 121 points wins the game. A match is typically best of 3 or 5 games.
Strategy Tips for Beginners
- Keep cards that have the potential to form 15s and runs.
- When discarding to your opponent's crib, avoid giving pairs or cards that add to 5 or 15.
- When discarding to your own crib, keep pairs and near-sequences together.
- Leading with a 4 is the most common opening play since it's hard for the opponent to make 15.
- Count in order: 15s, runs, pairs, flushes, nobs.
FAQ
How many cards are dealt in Cribbage?
Each player is dealt 6 cards in a two-player game. Players discard 2 cards to the crib, keeping 4 cards for play.
How does pegging work in Cribbage?
Pegging is the play phase where players alternate playing cards face up. The running total cannot exceed 31. Players score for 15s, pairs, runs, and reaching exactly 31.
What is the crib in Cribbage?
The crib is a separate hand of 4 cards (2 from each player) that belongs to the dealer. It is scored after both players count their hands.
How do you score in Cribbage?
Score 2 points for each combination totaling 15, 2 points per pair, 1 point per card in a run, 4 points for a flush, and 1 point for nobs.