Cribbage Drinking Game: Rules and Variations
Turn cribbage into a party with drinking game rules. Classic variants, penalty-based drinking, and house rules for casual cribbage nights.
Cribbage Drinking Game Rules
Cribbage is uniquely suited to drinking games. The scoring becomes automatic with practice, games are quick, and the math stays manageable — at least for the first few games.
Please drink responsibly. Have non-alcoholic options available, never drink and drive, and know your limits.
Classic Cribbage Drinking Rules
These rules work with any beverage — beer, wine, cocktails, or non-alcoholic drinks.
Core Rules
| Event | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Score a “nineteen” (0 points) | 1 drink |
| Get mugginsed (opponent claims your points) | 1 drink per point taken |
| Get skunked (lose before 91) | 2 drinks |
| Get double-skunked (lose before 61) | Finish your drink |
| Miss a flush | 1 drink |
| Cut a Jack (you’re dealer, got 2 pts) | Opponent drinks 1 |
Milestone Rules
| Event | Action |
|---|---|
| Score exactly 15 during pegging | Opponent drinks 1 |
| Score exactly 31 during pegging | Opponent drinks 2 |
| Score 12+ in hand | Give out 2 drinks |
| Score 20+ in hand | Give out 4 drinks |
| Get 24+ in hand | Everyone else finishes their drink |
Penalty-Based Rules (Skill Focused)
These rules punish mistakes more than bad luck:
Mistakes = Drinks
| Mistake | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Announce wrong count | 1 drink + fix the count |
| Peg the wrong amount | 2 drinks |
| Play a card you can’t (would exceed 31) | 2 drinks |
| Forget to say “Go” | 1 drink |
| Miss points in your hand (muggins) | 1 drink per point |
| Miscall “15” or “31” | 2 drinks |
Good Plays = Give Drinks
| Play | Reward |
|---|---|
| Triple someone’s pair (6 pts) | Give 2 drinks |
| Complete a run of 4+ during pegging | Give 1 drink per card |
| Call muggins successfully | Opponent drinks claimed points |
Speed Cribbage Drinking Rules
Add time pressure for extra chaos:
- 30-second turn limit during pegging
- Exceed the limit = automatic drink
- 60-second hand counting limit
- Exceed limit = 1 drink + opponents can muggins
- Wrong count under pressure = 2 drinks
This variant gets… messy.
Team Cribbage Drinking Rules
For 4 players (2 teams of 2):
- Winning team gives out (losing score ÷ 10) drinks to split
- Skunked team takes a shot together
- Either partner misses points = both drink
- Team scores 24+ combined = other team drinks 4
Partners can’t help each other count — that’s half the fun.
“Gentleman’s Cribbage” (Light Drinking)
For those who want flavor without getting wrecked:
- Loser of each game takes 1 drink
- Skunk = 2 drinks
- 19 hand = small sip
- Winner of 3 games = opponents buy next round
This keeps it social without the carnage.
Non-Alcoholic Variation
Use the same rules with:
- Hot sauce shots
- Sour candy
- Espresso shots
- Push-ups/burpees
- Donation to a jar (loser funds pizza)
Works great for work events or with mixed-drinking groups.
Recommended Beverages
Best for Long Sessions
- Beer or cider — Low ABV, slow absorption
- Wine spritzers — Diluted, refreshing
Danger Zone
- Shots — Games may not complete
- Strong cocktails — Math deteriorates fast
Pro Tip
Start with drinks, switch to water after hour one. The game stays fun, everyone stays upright.
House Rules to Consider
The Mulligan Rule
First game is “practice” with no drinking — lets newcomers learn.
The Mercy Rule
If someone’s visibly struggling, switch to water. Cribbage is supposed to be fun.
The Catch-Up Rule
Losing player drinks half-portions to stay competitive.
The Perfect 29 Rule
If anyone scores a 29-hand, everyone else finishes their drink and buys the scorer a drink. (This almost never happens — odds are 1 in 216,580.)
A Note on Cribbage’s Drinkability
Cribbage stays playable longer than most games because:
- Automatic counting — After enough games, scoring is muscle memory
- Simple math — Adding to 15 and 31 doesn’t require sobriety
- Clear turns — No complex decisions to forget
- Physical pegs — Harder to lose track of score than mental math
- Short games — Natural breaks for water/snacks
Compare this to trying to play poker, bridge, or even Settlers of Catan after a few drinks. Cribbage just works.
Remember
- 🚗 Never drink and drive
- 💧 Keep water available
- 🛑 It’s okay to tap out
- 🎉 The goal is fun, not destruction
Ready to Play?
Grab some friends, your favorite beverages, and:
Please drink responsibly.