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Whether you're picking up cards for the first time or you're a tournament veteran, CribbageBox has you covered.
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Start Playing →Learn the Game
From beginner basics to advanced techniques, our comprehensive guides cover every aspect of cribbage.
Start Learning →Master Strategy
Elevate your game with expert tips on discarding, pegging, and hand analysis from seasoned players.
View Strategies →Scoring Tools
Instantly calculate hand scores, verify your counting, and never miss a point with our free tools.
Use Tools →New to Cribbage?
Cribbage is one of the greatest card games ever invented — a perfect blend of skill, strategy, and luck. Here's the basics.
Deal & Discard
Each player gets 6 cards and discards 2 to the "crib" — an extra hand scored by the dealer.
The Play
Take turns playing cards, keeping a running total under 31. Score points for 15s, pairs, and runs as you go.
Count Your Hand
After the play, count your hand's combinations — fifteens, pairs, runs, flushes, and nobs — for points.
Race to 121
First player to peg 121 points on the cribbage board wins. Can you outscore your opponent?
Scoring Made Simple
Cribbage scoring is what makes the game uniquely rewarding. Every hand is a puzzle waiting to be solved.
| Combination | Points |
|---|---|
| Fifteen (cards totaling 15) | 2 pts each |
| Pair (same rank) | 2 pts |
| Three of a Kind | 6 pts |
| Four of a Kind | 12 pts |
| Run (3+ consecutive) | 1 pt per card |
| Flush (4 same suit) | 4 pts |
| Flush with starter | 5 pts |
| Nobs (Jack matching starter suit) | 1 pt |
Three 5s + a Jack with the fourth 5 as the starter card. The odds? About 1 in 216,580!
See the Best Hands →Popular Guides
Our most-read articles to help you become a better cribbage player.
How to Play Cribbage
Complete step-by-step guide for absolute beginners. Learn setup, gameplay, and scoring from scratch.
ReferenceOfficial Cribbage Rules
The definitive rules reference covering every phase of the game, edge cases, and official rulings.
StrategyDiscard Strategy
Learn what to keep and what to throw to maximize your hand score while minimizing your opponent's crib.
ReferenceCribbage Glossary
Every cribbage term explained — from "muggins" to "stinkhole" to "streets." Speak like a pro.
StrategyPegging Strategy
Master the art of pegging — when to play offensively, when to defend, and how to read your opponent.
CultureHistory of Cribbage
From Sir John Suckling's 17th-century invention to modern tournaments — the fascinating story of cribbage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cribbage
What is cribbage?
Cribbage is a classic card game for two players (though 3- and 4-player variants exist) that combines strategy, skill, and luck. Players score points by creating combinations of cards — fifteens, pairs, runs, and flushes — and race to reach 121 points on a cribbage board. It was invented in the 17th century by Sir John Suckling and remains one of the most popular card games in the English-speaking world.
How do you play cribbage?
Each player is dealt 6 cards and discards 2 to the "crib." A starter card is cut from the deck. Players alternate playing cards (keeping a running total under 31), scoring for combinations as they go. After the play, each player counts their hand for fifteens, pairs, runs, flushes, and nobs. The dealer also scores the crib. First to 121 points wins. Read our full guide →
Can I play cribbage online for free?
Yes! CribbageBox lets you play cribbage online completely free with no registration required. You can play against a computer opponent at various difficulty levels or challenge other players online. Just visit our Play page to get started instantly.
What is the highest possible cribbage hand?
The highest possible cribbage hand is 29 points. This requires holding three 5s and a Jack, with the starter card being the fourth 5 that matches the Jack's suit. This hand scores 16 points from fifteens, 12 from pairs, and 1 for nobs. The odds of getting a 29 hand are approximately 1 in 216,580.
What are nobs and nibs in cribbage?
Nobs (also called "one for his nob") is when you have a Jack in your hand that matches the suit of the starter card — worth 1 point. Nibs (also called "his heels") is when the dealer turns up a Jack as the starter card — worth 2 points to the dealer.
How many points do you need to win cribbage?
You need 121 points to win a standard game of cribbage. Points are tracked on a cribbage board (or with pen and paper). If you win by 31+ points, it's called a "skunk," and if you win by 61+ points, it's a "double skunk."
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