How to Play Cribbage
Cribbage is a classic two-player game scored by pegging points on a board. Count fifteens, pairs, runs and flushes in your hand and the crib, and race your opponent to 121 points. Our version shows exactly how every hand is scored, so it is a great way to learn.
- Players
- You vs 1 computer player
- Cards
- Standard 52 cards
- Game length
- 15–25 min
- Difficulty
- Medium
The goal
Be the first player to score 121 points. Points come from combinations of cards: during the play, in your hand, and in the crib.
The deal and the crib
- Two players use one 52-card deck. Each player gets six cards. The deal alternates every hand.
- Each player puts two cards face down into the crib. The crib belongs to the dealer and is scored at the end of the hand.
- The top card of the deck is turned up as the starter. If it is a jack, the dealer scores 2 ("his heels").
The play (pegging)
- The non-dealer plays first. Players take turns laying one card and saying the running total: aces count 1, face cards 10, other cards their number.
- The count may never go above 31. A player who cannot play says go, and the other player keeps playing while they can.
- The player who laid the last card before the count starts again scores 1 for the go, or 2 for reaching exactly 31.
| During the play | Points |
|---|---|
| Count reaches 15 | 2 |
| Count reaches 31 | 2 |
| Pair (same rank as the card before) | 2 |
| Three of a kind in a row | 6 |
| Four of a kind in a row | 12 |
| Run of 3 or more among the last cards (any order) | 1 per card |
| Go, or the last card of the play | 1 |
The show
After the play, hands are counted together with the starter: first the non-dealer's hand, then the dealer's hand, then the crib.
| Combination | Points |
|---|---|
| Each different combination of cards adding up to 15 | 2 |
| Each pair | 2 |
| Each run of 3 or more | 1 per card |
| Flush: four hand cards of one suit (five with the starter) | 4 or 5 (the crib needs all five) |
| His nobs: the jack of the same suit as the starter | 1 |
Not sure how many points a hand is worth? Try our cribbage hand calculator: it lists every fifteen, pair and run.
Winning
The game ends the moment a player reaches 121, even in the middle of the play or the show. That is why the non-dealer's hand is counted first. If the loser has not reached 91, they are skunked.
Strategy tips
- When choosing cards for the crib, keep combinations that score in your hand. Fives and pairs are great in your own crib, but dangerous in your opponent's.
- During the play, avoid leaving the count at 5 or 21: a ten-card gives your opponent 15 or 31.
- Be careful with cards next to each other in rank: they let your opponent make a run.
- The highest possible hand is 29: three 5s and the jack of the fourth suit, with the matching 5 as starter.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest possible cribbage hand?
The highest hand is 29 points: three fives and the jack of the fourth suit, with the five of that same suit as the starter card.
Do I need a cribbage board to play online?
No. The game keeps score for you on a virtual board and explains every point.
Card games have many house rules. This page describes the most common way Cribbage is played, and the version you play on Card Sunday. Does your family play differently, or have you spotted a mistake? Tell us and we will check it.
