Cribbage Variations: Beyond the Standard Two-Player Game

While two-player, six-card cribbage is the standard, several variations offer different experiences. Here are the most popular cribbage variants with complete rules for each.

Three-Player Cribbage

Three-player cribbage is the most popular multi-player variant. It works well and maintains the strategic depth of the two-player game.

Setup

• Use a three-track cribbage board (or track three scores separately)
• Deal 5 cards to each player
• Each player discards 1 card to the crib
• Deal 1 additional card from the deck to the crib (face-down)
• The crib now has 4 cards as normal

Play

• Player to the left of the dealer plays first
• Play proceeds clockwise
• All standard pegging rules apply
• The count still cannot exceed 31

Counting Order

1. Player to dealer’s left counts first
2. Next player clockwise counts second
3. Dealer counts their hand third
4. Dealer counts the crib last

Winning

• First player to 121 points wins
• Order of counting is crucial in close games

Strategy Differences

• With only 5 cards dealt, there are fewer options for strong hands
• Discarding to the crib is more impactful since you only discard one card
• Pegging becomes more important relative to hand scoring

Four-Player Cribbage (Partnership)

Four-player cribbage is played in teams of two, with partners sitting across from each other.

Setup

• Partners sit opposite each other
• Deal 5 cards to each player
• Each player discards 1 card to the crib
• The crib has 4 cards as normal

Play

• Player to the left of the dealer plays first
• Play alternates between teams (A1, B1, A2, B2)
• Standard pegging rules apply

Scoring

• Partners’ scores are combined on a single track
• Both partners count their hands independently
• Strategy involves coordinating with your partner when possible

Counting Order

1. Player to dealer’s left
2. Player across from dealer
3. Dealer’s partner
4. Dealer
5. Crib (scored by the dealer for the team)

Winning

• First team to reach 121 combined points wins

Strategy Notes

• Communication about your hand is not allowed (no table talk)
• You can try to read your partner’s play style over time
• Team strategy adds a layer not present in individual play

Five-Card Cribbage (The Original Game)

Five-card cribbage is actually the original form of the game as invented by Sir John Suckling. It’s faster-paced but has less strategic depth.

How It Differs

• Deal 5 cards to each player (instead of 6)
• Discard 2 cards to the crib
• Keep 3 cards in hand
• Play to 61 points (not 121)
• The non-dealer starts with a 3-point head start (to offset the dealer’s crib advantage)

Why 3 Points?

The non-dealer’s 3-point advantage compensates for the dealer’s crib. In 5-card cribbage, the crib advantage is proportionally larger because hands are smaller.

Key Differences in Play

• Shorter hands mean fewer scoring combinations
• Games are faster (61 vs 121 points)
• The crib is relatively more valuable
• Strategy around the 3-point head start adds a unique dimension

Lowball Cribbage (Losing Cribbage)

An entertaining variant where the goal is reversed.

Rules

• Play with standard two-player rules
• The goal is to avoid scoring points
• The first player to reach 121 loses
• You must peg all legitimate points (no sandbagging)

Strategy

• Try to discard your best cards to the crib (when you’re pone)
• During pegging, avoid creating 15s, 31s, pairs, and runs
• This variant turns all standard strategy on its head

Captain’s Cribbage

A three-player variant where one player is always the “captain” (dealer) against the other two.

Rules

• The dealer (captain) plays against the other two players working as a team
• Team members count their hands separately but add scores together
• The captain gets the crib as compensation for playing alone
• Rotate the captain position each round

Speed Cribbage

A fast-paced variant popular in casual settings.

Rules

• Standard two-player rules apply
• No take-backs — once a card is played, it stands
• Players must count hands within 30 seconds (or muggins applies)
• Some groups use a timer per move during pegging

Auction Cribbage

Adds a bidding element to the game.

Rules

• After cards are dealt but before discarding, players bid for the right to be the dealer (and thus score the crib)
• The highest bidder becomes dealer but must give that many points to their opponent
• Adds a layer of hand evaluation and risk assessment

Tips for Multi-Player Games

1. Three-player cribbage works best with a three-track board to avoid confusion
2. Four-player partnership benefits from playing multiple games to develop team chemistry
3. Five-card cribbage is great for quick games or introducing new players
4. Lowball cribbage is an excellent way to deepen your understanding of scoring combinations

Try these variations to keep cribbage fresh and exciting! Start with the standard two-player game at CribbageBox — play now for free.