Double and Triple Runs in Cribbage

Double runs are cribbage gold. They’re easy to miss when counting and even easier to undervalue when discarding. Let’s master these powerful patterns.

The Double Run Family

Double Run of 3 (8 points)

Pattern: Three consecutive ranks with one pair

Example: 4-5-5-6

• Run 1: 4-5-6 = 3 points
• Run 2: 4-5-6 = 3 points
• Pair: 5-5 = 2 points
• Total: 8 points

The pair “splits” into two runs.

Other examples:

Double Run of 4 (10 points)

Pattern: Four consecutive ranks with one pair

Example: 4-5-5-6-7

• Run 1: 4-5-6-7 = 4 points
• Run 2: 4-5-6-7 = 4 points
• Pair: 5-5 = 2 points
• Total: 10 points

This requires all 5 cards (hand + starter).

Common formations:

Triple Run (15 points)

Pattern: Three consecutive ranks with three-of-a-kind

Example: 4-4-4-5-6

• Run 1: 4-5-6 = 3 points
• Run 2: 4-5-6 = 3 points
• Run 3: 4-5-6 = 3 points
• Three of a kind: 4-4-4 = 6 points
• Total: 15 points

The trips create three separate runs!

Other examples:

Quadruple Run (16 points)

Pattern: Three consecutive ranks with TWO pairs

Example: 4-5-5-6-6

• Run 1: 4-5-6 = 3 points (using first 5 and first 6)
• Run 2: 4-5-6 = 3 points (using first 5 and second 6)
• Run 3: 4-5-6 = 3 points (using second 5 and first 6)
• Run 4: 4-5-6 = 3 points (using second 5 and second 6)
• Pair 1: 5-5 = 2 points
• Pair 2: 6-6 = 2 points
• Total: 16 points

Four runs from two pairs!

Other examples:

Counting Double Runs Correctly

Method 1: Count Runs First

1. Identify the base run (consecutive ranks)
2. Count how many times each rank appears
3. Multiply runs by repetitions
4. Add pairs/trips at the end

Example: 5-6-6-7-8

• Base run: 5-6-7-8 (4 cards)
• 6 appears twice = two 4-card runs
• 4 + 4 = 8 for runs
• 6-6 = 2 for pair
• Total: 10 (double run of 4)

Method 2: The Formula

Adding Fifteens

Double runs often include fifteens, creating high-scoring hands.

Example: 4-5-6-6 with 5 starter

Run scoring:

• Double run of 4: 4-5-6-6 + 5 = 10 points

Wait, that’s wrong! Let’s recount:

• 4-5-5-6-6 = quadruple run of 3
• Four runs of 3: 12 points
• Two pairs (5-5, 6-6): 4 points
• Run total: 16 points

Fifteens:

• 4+5+6 = 15 (×4 ways) = 8 points
• 5+4+6 combinations… actually, let’s count:
  • 4+5+6 (first 5, first 6) = 15
  • 4+5+6 (first 5, second 6) = 15
  • 4+5+6 (second 5, first 6) = 15
  • 4+5+6 (second 5, second 6) = 15
• 4 fifteens = 8 points

Total: 16 + 8 = 24 points

When to Keep Double Runs

Almost Always

Double runs in your dealt 6 should almost always be kept:

• 8+ guaranteed points
• Excellent cut potential (adjacent cards complete runs)
• Starter can turn double into triple

Example Decision

Hand: 3-4-4-5-9-K (Dealer)

Decision: Keep 3-4-4-5 for the double run. Throw 9-K to your crib.

When to Break a Double Run

Rarely! But consider it when:

1. Throwing pair to opponent’s crib: 4-4 to opponent is 2 points guaranteed
2. Alternative hand is exceptional: 5-5-5-J vs weak double run
3. Board position demands specific total: Endgame calculation

Double Run Starter Potential

What Improves 4-5-5-6 (8 points)?

That’s 16 cards (30%+) that significantly improve the hand!

Double Runs in the Crib

To Your Crib

Throwing half a potential double run (like 4-5 when keeping 4-5-6-X) can create crib magic:

• If opponent also throws adjacent cards
• If opponent throws a pair of connected cards

From Opponent’s Crib

Double runs in opponent’s crib are rare but devastating. They require:

• You threw connected/paired cards
• Opponent did too
• Stars aligned

Minimize risk: Don’t throw connected pairs (like 5-6) to opponent’s crib.

Practice Counting

Quick Quiz

Count these hands:

1. 3-4-5-5-6
2. 7-7-8-8-9
3. A-2-2-2-3
4. 9-10-J-J-Q

Answers

1. 3-4-5-5-6 = Double run of 4: 10 pts + fifteens (4+5+6 × 2) = 10 + 4 = 14 points
2. 7-7-8-8-9 = Quadruple run: 16 pts + fifteens (7+8 × 4) = 16 + 8 = 24 points
3. A-2-2-2-3 = Triple run: 15 pts + no fifteens = 15 points
4. 9-10-J-J-Q = Double run of 4: 10 pts + no fifteens = 10 points

Summary

Double runs are some of cribbage’s best hands. Learn to spot them, keep them, and count them accurately.