To play Cribbage, you’ll need a Cribbage board, pegs, and a standard deck of cards. The goal of Cribbage is to be the first to reach 121 points before your opponent by scoring points through card combinations during play and hand scoring.
Step-by-step guide to playing cribbage
Follow these steps to set up, play, and score a complete game of Cribbage for beginners.
Setting up the game
- Shuffle the deck thoroughly, then have each player take half of the deck.
- Determine the dealer: The player with the lowest card on the bottom of their half deals first.
- Deal six cards to each player.
- Each player selects two cards from their hand and discards them face-down to form the crib.
- The non-dealer cuts the remaining deck; turn the top card of the bottom half to reveal the starter card.
- Award 2 points to the dealer if the starter is a Jack (called “two for his heels”).
Playing the cards (pegging phase)
- The non-dealer plays the first card face-up, announcing its value: aces = 1, numbered cards = face value, face cards = 10.
- Players alternate playing cards, each announcing the running total as cards are added.
- The total cannot exceed 31; if a player cannot play without going over, they say “Go,” and the opponent scores 1 point.
- The scoring player may continue playing cards under 31; reaching exactly 31 scores 2 points.
- After a “Go” or 31, reset the total to zero; the player who did not score last plays first.
- Score pegging points during play for combinations: 2 points for 15 total, 2 for a pair, 6 for three of a kind, 12 for four of a kind, 1 per card in a run.
- Move your peg on the board after each score to track your total points.
- Continue until both players are out of playable cards.
Scoring the hands
- Score in order: non-dealer’s hand (using starter), dealer’s hand (using starter), then crib (dealer scores it).
- Score combinations with the starter included: 2 points for any two cards totaling 15, 2 for a pair, 6 for three of a kind, 12 for four of a kind, 1 point per card in a run.
- Award 1 extra point to the dealer for a Jack in hand matching the starter’s suit (his nob).
- For the crib, award 1 extra point if a Jack in the crib matches the starter’s suit.
- Move pegs to reflect all scored points.
Next round and winning
- The previous non-dealer now shuffles and deals a new hand of six cards each.
- Repeat the process until one player reaches or exceeds 121 points, winning the game.
Cribbage sharpens your math skills and strategic thinking as you calculate combinations on the fly and plan discards to the crib. It’s a timeless game that builds friendly competition and lasts for hours with simple rules yet deep tactics.
Playing regularly improves pattern recognition for pairs, runs, and 15s, making you a sharper player. Beyond fun, it’s a social connector across generations, perfect for family nights or travel, and tracking progress on the board adds satisfying motivation to reach that 121-point victory.
