Cribbage is a classic card game that blends strategy, skill, and a bit of luck. Whether you’re new to the game or just looking for a refresher, this guide will walk you through the essential steps of playing cribbage.

Objective of the Game

The main goal in cribbage is to be the first player to reach 121 points. Players score points by forming specific card combinations and pegging (moving markers) on a cribbage board to track their score.

Setup

1. Deal the Cards
   The dealer shuffles the deck and deals 6 cards to each player. After the cards are dealt, each player looks at their hand and discards 2 cards into the “crib.” The crib is a second hand that only the dealer will use later for additional scoring.

2. Cut for the Starter Card
   Once the cards are discarded, the non-dealer cuts the remaining deck, and the dealer reveals the top card of the deck. This card, known as the starter card, will be used by both players for scoring later in the round. If the starter card is a Jack, the dealer immediately scores 2 points—this is called His Heels.

Playing the Hand

1. The Play
   Starting with the non-dealer, players take turns laying down one card at a time, announcing the running total of the card values. The aim is to play cards without the total exceeding 31. Each card’s value matches its face value, with face cards (King, Queen, and Jack) worth 10 points and an Ace worth 1.

   Points are scored during the play for specific combinations:

   • 15: If the running total reaches exactly 15, the player scores 2 points.
   • Pairs: If two consecutive cards have the same rank, the player scores 2 points.
   • Three-of-a-kind (also known as a “triple”): If three cards of the same rank are played consecutively, the player scores 6 points.
   • Four-of-a-kind (also called “quadruple”): Four cards of the same rank earn 12 points.
   • Runs: A sequence of three or more cards in numerical order (e.g., 4-5-6) scores 1 point per card.
   • 31: Reaching exactly 31 earns 2 points.

   If neither player can play without exceeding 31, the player who last placed a card scores 1 point for “the go.” Play continues with the other player starting a new count from zero.

2. The Go
   Once the total reaches 31 or a player cannot lay down a card, the opponent calls “Go” and scores 1 point. Play then resumes with any remaining cards until all cards have been played.

Scoring the Hands

Once all the cards are played, it’s time to count the points in each hand, plus the crib (for the dealer). The starter card is used by both players to help form scoring combinations.

• 15s: Any combination of cards that adds up to 15 scores 2 points.
• Pairs: A pair of cards with the same rank scores 2 points.
• Runs: A sequence of three or more consecutive cards scores 1 point per card.
• Flush: A flush, which is all cards in a player’s hand being of the same suit, scores 4 points. If the starter card matches the suit, the flush is worth 5 points.
• His Nobs: If a player has a Jack of the same suit as the starter card, they score 1 point.

After both players count their hands, the dealer also scores the crib using the same rules. The dealer benefits from having two chances to score each round: once with their hand and once with the crib.

Pegging Points on the Cribbage Board

Players use pegs to mark their scores on the cribbage board. Pegs move around the board as points are scored, with each player leapfrogging their peg forward as they advance. The first player to reach 121 points wins the game!

Cribbage is a fun and engaging game that offers a perfect balance of strategy and chance. By following these steps and learning how to spot valuable combinations, you’ll be able to enjoy the game with friends and family while sharpening your skills over time. Happy pegging!