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Cribbage Rules: Quick Reference Guide

Use this guide as a fast reference for the official rules of cribbage. Perfect for players who know how to play but need a reminder on scoring, phases, and gameplay details.

If you are a complete beginner, check out our guide on how to play Cribbage.

Setup

  • Use a standard 52-card deck.
  • Two players: Each is dealt 6 cards.
  • Each player discards 2 cards face down to the crib (dealer scores the crib).
  • Alternate dealer each round.

Game Phases

1. Cutting the Starter Card

  • Non-dealer cuts the deck; dealer reveals the starter card.
  • If the starter card is a Jack, dealer scores 2 points (“his heels”).

2. The Play (Pegging)

  • Players alternate playing one card at a time, announcing the running total.
  • Card values: Ace = 1, 2–10 = face value, Jack/Queen/King = 10.
  • The total cannot exceed 31.
  • If unable to play, say “Go”; opponent continues until no more cards can be played.
  • Points are scored during play for:
    • 15: Total exactly 15 (2 points)
    • 31: Total exactly 31 (2 points)
    • Pairs: 2 points for a pair, 6 for three of a kind, 12 for four of a kind
    • Runs: 3+ consecutive cards (points equal to run length)
    • Last Card: 1 point for playing the last card in a round

3. Scoring Hands & Crib

  • After play, each player scores their hand (including the starter card).
  • Dealer scores the crib (including the starter card).

Scoring Combinations

  • Fifteens: Any combination of cards totaling 15 (2 points each)
  • Pairs: Two cards of the same rank (2 points each)
  • Runs: Three or more consecutive cards (points equal to run length)
  • Flush: Four cards of the same suit in hand (4 points), five with starter card (5 points)
  • Nobs: Jack of the same suit as the starter card (1 point)

Winning

  • First player to reach 121 points wins.
  • Score is tracked using a cribbage board or pen and paper.

Example Scoring

Hand: 7♠, 8♣, 9♦, Q♥, Starter: 6♠

  • Run: 6-7-8-9 (4 points)
  • No pairs, no fifteens, no flush, no nobs

Additional Rules

  • Dealer alternates each round.
  • If both players reach 121 in the same hand, the non-dealer wins (pone’s hand is scored first).
  • No points for flush in the crib unless all five cards are the same suit.

Tip: Refer to this guide whenever you need a quick rules check during your cribbage game!