How to play Cribbage
Build fifteens, pairs, and runs while racing your peg to 121.
- Players
- 2
- Cards dealt
- 6 each
- Crib
- 4 cards for dealer
- Goal
- First to 121
Deal and crib
Each player receives six cards and sends exactly two to the dealer's crib. A starter card is cut automatically; if it is a jack, the dealer scores 2. Deal alternates after every hand.
Pegging
The nondealer plays first. Alternate cards while announcing a running total that may not exceed 31. Say Go only when none of your cards fits. Fifteen and 31 score 2; pairs score 2, three of a kind 6, four of a kind 12, and a run scores its length. Go or the last card scores 1 unless the count is 31.
Counting hands
After pegging, count the nondealer's hand, then the dealer's hand, then the crib. Every combination totaling 15 scores 2, every pair scores 2, and runs score by their length with multiplicity. Four-card flushes score in a hand, while a crib flush needs all five cards. A jack matching the starter's suit scores 1.
Winning and variant
Scoring stops immediately when someone reaches 121, even during the starter cut, pegging, or hand counting. This is automated two-player cribbage with no muggins, skunk scoring, or manual counting.
Beginner strategy
- Keep cards that score in several ways: fifteens, pairs, and connected ranks.
- Give strong cards to your own crib; avoid feeding an opponent 5s, pairs, or easy fifteens.
- Avoid leaving a count of 5 or 21 for an easy 15 or 31.
- Save a low card when possible so you can play late in a count.
- Before taking a pegging point, consider the opponent's likely reply.