Get the full experience in CardRules+
300+ games with text-to-speech, game night planner, quick reference cards, and offline access.
Download on Google Play- Deal 6 cards to each player.
- Each player discards 2 cards to the crib (dealer scores the crib).
- Cut a starter card from the deck.
- Players alternate playing cards, trying to hit totals of 15 or 31.
- Score 2 points for reaching exactly 15 or 31.
- Score points for pairs and runs during pegging.
- After pegging, count points in hand and crib using the starter card.
- Pairs: 2 points; runs: 1 point per card; fifteens: 2 points each.
- Flush (4 same suit in hand): 4 points.
- Nobs (Jack matching starter suit): 1 point.
- His Heels (Jack as starter): dealer scores 2 points.
Rules
Cribbage is a fun card game where you try to score points by playing cards in certain ways. You need a special board to keep track of points, but if you don't have one, you can use paper and pencil.
Setup
- Players: Cribbage can be played with 2 to 4 players.
- Deck: Use a standard 52-card deck.
- Scoring: A cribbage board or paper and pencil to keep score.
How to Win
The winner is the first player to reach the last hole on the cribbage board, which usually has the number 121. You earn points by playing cards in special ways during the game.
Gameplay
- Dealing Cards: Each player gets six cards from the deck. Each player picks two cards to put in their secret "crib."
- Pegging Phase: Players take turns playing one card at a time. Try to make the total of the cards played add up to 15 or 31. If you can't play without going over 31, you say "Go," and the other player gets a point. Reaching exactly 31 earns 2 points.
- Hand Phase: After playing cards, you look at the ones left in your hand. You get points for having pairs, runs of cards, or cards that match a special card called the "starter."
- Crib Phase: The dealer scores points for the four cards in the crib (two from each player), plus the starter card. They get points for pairs, runs, and matching cards too!
Counting Points
- Pairs: Two cards of the same rank are worth 2 points.
- Runs: Three or more cards in consecutive rank order are worth 1 point per card (suit does not matter).
- Fifteen: Any combination of cards that adds up to 15 is worth 2 points.
- Flush: If all the cards in your hand or crib are the same suit, you get 4 points.
- His Heels (Nibs): If the starter card (cut card) is a Jack, the dealer scores 2 points immediately.
- Nobs: If you have a Jack in your hand that matches the suit of the starter card, you score 1 point.
- Go: If your opponent says "Go" because they can't play without going over 31, you get 1 point for each "Go."
Counting the Score
- Everyone counts the points in their hand and crib.
- You move your piece on the cribbage board according to the points you got (or use pen and paper).
- The first one to reach 121 points wins!
Tips for Beginners
- Try to play cards that make 15 or 31 during the pegging phase.
- Remember which cards have been played to help you plan your moves.
- Use your crib wisely to get lots of points!
Tips & Strategy
Pay attention to the cards discarded to the 'crib' and plan your moves accordingly. Utilize the unique scoring opportunities provided by the board.
Balancing scoring opportunities for your hand and the crib is essential in Cribbage. Plan your discards and pegging strategies carefully.
Trivia & Fun Facts
The unique Cribbage board has 121 holes, and players use two pegs to keep score by jumping from hole to hole.
In Cribbage, what is the term for a combination of cards that includes a Jack and scores extra points?
History & Culture
Cribbage dates back to the 17th century and is believed to have been invented by Sir John Suckling. It gained popularity in England and later became popular among sailors.
Cribbage has cultural significance as a game with a rich history. It is often associated with traditional pub gaming and is played in social settings.
Variations & House Rules
Common variations include Muggins, Captain's Cribbage, and Six Card Cribbage. Each variant introduces unique rules and scoring elements.
Experiment with different Cribbage boards or create custom rules to add variety to your Cribbage games.
