How Pegging Works in Cribbage: Beginner's Complete Guide

Q: "What is pegging in cribbage?"

"Pegging is the play phase of cribbage where both players take turns laying cards face-up, adding to a running count. Players score points as they play — for reaching 15 or 31 exactly, for pairs, and for runs. The term 'pegging' comes from physically pegging your score on the cribbage board as you earn points during this phase."

Q: "How many cards do you play during pegging?"

"In standard 6-card cribbage, each player plays all 4 of their hand cards during the pegging phase (they discarded 2 to the crib). Players alternate cards, and the count may reset to zero one or more times when the limit of 31 is reached or approached."

Q: "What does 'go' mean during pegging?"

"When you can't play any of your remaining cards without the running count exceeding 31, you say 'go.' Your opponent scores 1 point for the go and plays any cards they can. When neither can play, the count resets to zero and the player who played last leads the next sequence."

Q: "What scores during pegging?"

"Fifteen (running count hits 15) = 2 pts. Pair (same rank as last played) = 2 pts. Three of a kind = 6 pts. Four of a kind = 12 pts. Run (3+ consecutive cards, in any order played) = 1 pt per card. Exact 31 = 2 pts. Go (opponent can't play) = 1 pt. Last card (final card played) = 1 pt."

Q: "Who plays first during pegging?"

"The pone (non-dealer) always leads the first card during pegging. This is why being pone is actually a slight advantage — you lead and can set the tempo."

How the pegging phase works in cribbage — playing cards, counting to 31, scoring points, what 'go' means, and the last card rule. Clear explanation for beginners.

Updated: April 23, 2026 · 5 min read

By Garrett Pegg · Reviewed against ACC standards

How Pegging Works in Cribbage

Pegging is the play phase of cribbage — the part where both players lay cards one at a time and score points as they go. If you’re new to the game, this guide explains exactly how it works from start to finish.

What Is Pegging?

After both players discard to the crib, each player holds 4 cards. The pegging phase begins immediately.

The term “pegging” comes from moving pegs on the cribbage board. Every time you score a point during this phase, you physically peg your score. The board keeps the running total visible to both players.

Pegging points are separate from your hand points — you count your hand and the crib separately after all cards have been played.

How a Pegging Round Works

Step 1: Pone Leads

The pone (non-dealer) plays the first card face-up and announces its value:

“Eight.”

Step 2: Players Alternate

The dealer plays a card, announcing the new running count:

“Seven — fifteen-two!” (8 + 7 = 15 → scores 2 points)

Players continue taking turns, adding to the running count.

Step 3: Count Approaching 31

The count cannot exceed 31. If playing any of your remaining cards would push it over, you must say “go.” Your opponent scores 1 point.

Your opponent then plays any cards they can (still ≤ 31). If they also can’t play, the count resets to zero.

Step 4: Count Resets

When neither player can play without exceeding 31:

The last player to play scores 1 point for the go
The count resets to zero
A new sequence begins, led by the player who played last before the reset

Step 5: All Cards Played

Play continues until both players have laid down all 4 of their cards. The player who plays the absolute last card scores 1 point (or 2 if it reached exactly 31).

What You Can Score During Pegging

Event	Points	Example
Running count reaches 15	2	8 → 7 = 15, score 2
Running count reaches 31	2	24 → 7 = 31, score 2
Pair (same rank as last played card)	2	Q → Q → score 2
Three of a kind (3rd of same rank)	6	Q → Q → Q → score 6
Four of a kind	12	Q → Q → Q → Q → score 12
Run of 3 (3 consecutive in any order)	3	4 → 6 → 5 → score 3
Run of 4	4
Run of 5	5
Go (opponent can’t play ≤ 31)	1	Opponent can’t play
Last card (final card of all play)	1	Or 2 if exactly 31

Runs Don’t Need to Be Played in Order

This confuses most beginners. A run only requires that the last N cards played form a consecutive sequence — the order they were played doesn’t matter.

Example: Cards played are 7 → 9 → 8 → score 3 (run of 3: 7-8-9). The 9 was played before the 8, but together with the 7 they form a run.

Full Example of a Pegging Sequence

Pone holds: A, 4, 6, 9
Dealer holds: 3, 7, 8, K

Turn	Player	Card	Count	Event	Points
1	Pone	4	4	—	0
2	Dealer	3	7	—	0
3	Pone	A	8	—	0
4	Dealer	7	15	Fifteen!	+2
5	Pone	6	21	—	0
6	Dealer	8	29	Run of 3 (6-7-8)	+3
7	Pone	9	38?	Can’t play → “Go”	0
8	Dealer	K	39?	Can’t play either	0
—	Dealer	—	—	Dealer scores 1 for go (played last)	+1
—	—	Reset	0	New sequence, pone leads	—
9	Pone	9	9	—	0
10	Dealer	K	19	—	0
—	Both	—	—	Pone has no cards; dealer plays K… already played	—
11	—	—	—	Pone plays 9 = last card	+1

Pegging totals: Dealer 6 pts, Pone 1 pt — before hand counting begins.

Common Beginner Mistakes

1. Not saying “go” when you should
If any of your remaining cards would take the count over 31, you MUST say go. You cannot choose to skip your turn silently.

2. Forgetting to check for runs
Runs during pegging are easy to miss because the cards weren’t played in order. After each play, mentally check whether the last 3 (or more) cards form a sequence.

3. Not playing all cards
Even after a go and a count reset, you must still play your remaining cards in the new sequence. Saying go doesn’t end your participation.

4. Confusing pegging points with hand points
Points scored during pegging are immediate — you peg them right away. Hand points come later, after all cards are played. You can score in both phases.

Pegging Tips for Beginners

Lead a 4 or lower: This prevents your opponent from immediately scoring 15 (a 10-value card + your lead).
Hold a low card for late play: An ace or 2 lets you play in high-count situations and potentially score the last card or prevent your opponent’s go.
Watch for pair traps: If you play the same rank as your opponent’s last card, be aware they might triple (play a third) for 6 points.

Ready to go deeper? Pegging Strategy covers advanced plays, pair traps, run sequences, and endgame tactics.

Ready to practice pegging in real time? Play a free game now — every hand has a full pegging phase.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is pegging in cribbage?

Pegging is the play phase of cribbage where both players take turns laying cards face-up, adding to a running count. Players score points as they play — for reaching 15 or 31 exactly, for pairs, and for runs. The term ‘pegging’ comes from physically pegging your score on the cribbage board as you earn points during this phase.

How many cards do you play during pegging?

In standard 6-card cribbage, each player plays all 4 of their hand cards during the pegging phase (they discarded 2 to the crib). Players alternate cards, and the count may reset to zero one or more times when the limit of 31 is reached or approached.

What does 'go' mean during pegging?

When you can’t play any of your remaining cards without the running count exceeding 31, you say ‘go.’ Your opponent scores 1 point for the go and plays any cards they can. When neither can play, the count resets to zero and the player who played last leads the next sequence.

What scores during pegging?

Fifteen (running count hits 15) = 2 pts. Pair (same rank as last played) = 2 pts. Three of a kind = 6 pts. Four of a kind = 12 pts. Run (3+ consecutive cards, in any order played) = 1 pt per card. Exact 31 = 2 pts. Go (opponent can’t play) = 1 pt. Last card (final card played) = 1 pt.

Who plays first during pegging?

The pone (non-dealer) always leads the first card during pegging. This is why being pone is actually a slight advantage — you lead and can set the tempo.