How to Play Cribbage
Cribbage is a classic card game for two players that combines elements of strategy, skill, and luck. Players score points by making card combinations that total 15, forming pairs, runs, and flushes. The game is played over multiple rounds, with scores tracked on the iconic pegging board to 121 points.
📋 Rules
The Deal
Six cards are dealt to each player from a standard 52-card deck. Each player selects two cards to discard face-down into the "crib" — a bonus hand that belongs to the dealer.
The Starter
After discarding, the non-dealer cuts the remaining deck. The top card is turned face-up as the Starter (or "cut" card). If it's a Jack, the dealer scores 2 points ("His Heels").
Pegging
Players take turns playing one card at a time, announcing the running total. Score 2 points for reaching exactly 15 or 31, and 1 point for the last card played ("Go"). Pairs and runs during pegging also score.
The Show
After pegging, each player scores their 4-card hand (plus the Starter) for combinations: 15s (2 pts each), pairs (2 pts), runs of 3+ (length pts), flushes (4-5 pts), and Nobs (Jack matching Starter suit, 1 pt).
The Crib
The dealer also scores the crib as a bonus hand using the same rules as The Show, but flushes only count if all 5 cards (including Starter) share a suit.
Winning
First player to reach 121 points wins. If the loser fails to reach 91, they are "skunked." Points can be scored at any time — during pegging or The Show — and the game ends immediately when 121 is reached.
🧠 Strategy Tips
- Keep cards that work well together for 15s. A 5 is the most valuable card since it pairs with any 10-value card for 15.
- When discarding to your own crib, put in cards likely to score (pairs, cards summing to 15, or adjacent cards for runs).
- When discarding to the opponent's crib, avoid giving them 5s, pairs, or cards that sum to 5 or 15.
- During pegging, try to reach 15 or 31. Avoid leaving the count at 5 or 21, which lets your opponent score easily.
- Lead with low cards during pegging to give fewer scoring opportunities to your opponent.
- Count the Starter card mentally when deciding what to keep — a well-chosen hand can score 12+ points with the right cut.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best possible cribbage hand?
The highest hand is 29 points: three 5s and the Jack of the same suit as the Starter (which is the fourth 5). This gives eight 15s (16 pts), six pairs (12 pts), and Nobs (1 pt) = 29. It occurs roughly once every 216,580 deals.
What is a skunk in cribbage?
A skunk occurs when the winner reaches 121 before the loser reaches 91 points. A double skunk is when the loser doesn't reach 61. In competitive play, skunks often count as double wins.
What does "Go" mean in pegging?
When a player cannot play a card without the running total exceeding 31, they say "Go." The opponent continues playing cards until they also can't, then scores 1 point for the last card. The count resets to 0 for the next sequence.
Who counts their hand first?
The non-dealer always counts first, which is a significant advantage in close games. This is why the deal alternates each round — dealing gives you the crib but costs you the first-count advantage.