How to Play Cribbage

Cribbage is a classic card game that’s easy to learn and fun to play. This beginner-friendly guide will walk you through the rules, setup, and gameplay step by step, so you can start enjoying cribbage right away.

Already know how to play and just need a quick rules reference? Check out our cribbage rules article.

What You Need

• A standard 52-card deck
• Cribbage board (for scoring, or use pen and paper)
• 2 players (cribbage can also be played with 3 or 4)

Objective

The goal of cribbage is to be the first player to score 121 points. Points are earned by making combinations during play and by counting your hand and the crib at the end of each round.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Setup

• Shuffle the deck and deal 6 cards to each player.
• Each player looks at their hand and selects 2 cards to discard face down into the crib (a separate pile). The crib will be scored by the dealer at the end of the round.

2. Cutting the Starter Card

• The non-dealer cuts the deck and the dealer reveals the starter card (also called the “cut card”).
• If the starter card is a Jack, the dealer scores 2 points (“his heels”).

3. The Play (Pegging)

• Players take turns playing one card at a time, announcing the running total of card values (Ace = 1, 2–10 = face value, Jack/Queen/King = 10).
• The total cannot exceed 31. If you can’t play without going over 31, say “Go” and your opponent continues.
• Points are scored during play for:
  • 15: Making the total exactly 15 (2 points)
  • 31: Making the total exactly 31 (2 points)
  • Pairs: Playing a card that matches the previous card (2 points for a pair, 6 for three of a kind, 12 for four of a kind)
  • Runs: Playing cards in consecutive order (3+ cards, points equal to the run length)
  • Last Card: Playing the last card in a round (1 point)

4. Scoring Hands

After all cards are played, each player scores their hand (including the starter card), and the dealer scores the crib.

Scoring Combinations

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

5. Winning the Game

• Continue playing rounds, alternating the dealer.
• The first player to reach 121 points wins!

Tips for Beginners

• Try to keep cards that make 15s and runs.
• Watch for pairs and flushes when discarding to the crib.
• Use the crib strategically—if you’re the dealer, put valuable cards in the crib.

Cribbage Scoring Example

Suppose your hand is 5♠, 5♥, 5♦, J♣ and the starter card is 5♣:

• Fifteens: Four combinations (2 points each = 8 points)
• Pairs: Six pairs of fives (12 points)
• Nobs: Jack is not the same suit as the starter, so no nobs.
• Total: 20 points

Cribbage is a game of skill, strategy, and a little luck. With practice, you’ll get better at spotting scoring opportunities and making the most of your hand. Enjoy your game!