Cribbage Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules

Cribbage has a rich tradition of sportsmanship and courtesy. While these aren’t official rules, following proper etiquette makes the game more enjoyable for everyone — whether you’re playing at a friend’s kitchen table or in an ACC tournament.

---

Before the Game

Agree on House Rules

Before dealing the first hand, confirm:

• Are you playing muggins (claiming opponent’s missed points)?
• What counts as a skunk or double skunk?
• Any other special house rules?

Handle Cards Respectfully

• Don’t bend or mark cards
• Shuffle the deck thoroughly (at least 3-4 riffle shuffles)
• The non-dealer should cut the deck — don’t skip this step

---

During the Play Phase

Card Play

• Play cards face up in front of you, clearly visible
• Announce the running total clearly and audibly
• Don’t rush your opponent — give them time to consider their plays
• Say “Go” clearly when you can’t play

Scoring

• Say your scores out loud as you peg: “Fifteen for two,” “Pair for two,” etc.
• Peg promptly but carefully — no rushed or clumsy pegging
• If you dispute a score, do so immediately and politely

---

During Counting (The Show)

Counting Your Hand

• Count aloud so your opponent can follow along
• Use the traditional counting language: “Fifteen-two, fifteen-four, and a pair for six…”
• Take a reasonable amount of time — neither too fast nor too slow
• After counting, announce your total clearly

Watching Your Opponent Count

• Pay attention while they count
• Don’t hover or create pressure
• If they miss points and you’re playing muggins, claim them respectfully
• If you’re not playing muggins, it’s kind (but optional) to point out missed points

---

Pegging Etiquette

• Move your pegs carefully — don’t knock your opponent’s pegs
• Use the correct peg — always move the back peg forward
• If you accidentally overpeg, correct it immediately
• Don’t touch your opponent’s pegs without asking

---

Tournament Etiquette

Tournament play has stricter expectations:

• Be on time for your matches
• Shake hands before and after each game
• Keep conversation minimal during play (unless mutually desired)
• All muggins are mandatory — watch for missed points
• Don’t coach other players during their matches
• Accept defeats gracefully and congratulate your opponent
• Report scores accurately to tournament directors

---

General Sportsmanship

• Win humbly, lose gracefully — cribbage involves luck, and even the best players lose often
• Don’t celebrate excessively after skunking an opponent
• Congratulate good hands — if your opponent gets a 28 or 29, acknowledge it
• Don’t delay the game unnecessarily
• Offer a rematch after a close game
• Teach patiently when playing with beginners

---

The Spirit of the Game

Cribbage has survived for nearly 400 years partly because of the community around it. The game is meant to be social, competitive, and fun. Good etiquette ensures that every game — whether between friends, family members, or strangers — is an enjoyable experience for all involved.

---

Ready for a game? Play cribbage online and practice good cribbage habits from the start!