Cribbage is one of those timeless card games that has captivated players for centuries. Whether you’re looking for a casual game with friends or an intense battle of strategy, cribbage offers a unique blend of skill, luck, and mental math. With a rich history and simple yet engaging gameplay, it’s no wonder cribbage remains a favorite among card game enthusiasts. In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to learn and master the game of cribbage.
A Brief History of Cribbage
Before diving into the rules, it’s worth noting that cribbage has an impressive pedigree. The game was invented in the early 1600s by Sir John Suckling, an English poet and avid gambler. It quickly became popular and has remained a staple of card tables ever since. Traditionally played on a special cribbage board with pegs for scoring, the game is beloved for its unique mix of card play and arithmetic.
What You Need to Play Cribbage
To play cribbage, you’ll need:
- A standard deck of 52 playing cards (jokers removed)
- A cribbage board and pegs (or a piece of paper for scoring)
- Two players (though cribbage can also be played with three or four players in different variations)
Setting Up the Game
Cribbage is traditionally played between two players. Each game consists of multiple hands, with players trying to score points by creating specific card combinations. The game is typically played to 121 points, though some versions end at 61 points.
The Deal
Each player is dealt six cards. After examining their hands, both players must discard two cards into a separate pile known as “the crib.” This crib belongs to the dealer and will be scored as an additional hand at the end of the round.
The Cut and Starter Card
Once the crib is set, the non-dealer cuts the remaining deck. The dealer then reveals the top card of the lower portion of the deck—this is called the starter card. If the starter card is a Jack, the dealer immediately scores two points (this is called “His Heels”).
The Phases of Play
A round of cribbage consists of two main phases:
- The Pegging Phase
- The Counting Phase
The Pegging Phase
Players take turns playing one card at a time while keeping track of a running total (but never exceeding 31). During this phase, players score points for the following:
- Pairs (two of the same rank): 2 points
- Triples (three of the same rank): 6 points
- Four of a kind (four of the same rank): 12 points
- Runs (consecutive cards regardless of suit): 1 point per card in the run
- Fifteen (a combination of cards that adds up to 15): 2 points
- Go (when a player can’t play without exceeding 31): 1 point
- 31 Exactly (playing a card that brings the total to exactly 31): 2 points
Players continue alternating turns until neither player can legally play a card without exceeding 31, at which point the round ends and the counting phase begins.
The Counting Phase
Once all cards are played, each player (starting with the non-dealer) scores points based on the combinations within their hand. The dealer also gets to count the crib after scoring their own hand. The key scoring combinations include:
- Pairs: 2 points
- Three-of-a-kind: 6 points
- Four-of-a-kind: 12 points
- Runs of three or more: 1 point per card in the sequence
- Fifteen: Any combination of cards that sums to 15 earns 2 points
- Flush (four or more cards of the same suit, excluding the starter card): 4 points (5 if including the starter card)
- His Nobs (a Jack in the player’s hand that matches the suit of the starter card): 1 point
Winning the Game
The first player to reach 121 points wins the game. If a player pegs out before counting their hand, the game ends immediately.
Strategy Tips for Winning at Cribbage
While luck plays a role, skillful cribbage players use strategy to maximize points and control the game. Here are some key tips:
- Smart Discards: When placing cards into the crib, consider what combinations your opponent might use. Keep cards that maximize your scoring potential while minimizing theirs.
- Control the Pegging: If you’re ahead, play defensively to prevent your opponent from making runs or pairs.
- Aim for Fifteens: Fifteens are some of the easiest points to score. Try to keep cards that sum to 15.
- Think Ahead: Plan your plays so that you can maximize points during both the pegging and counting phases.
- Count Carefully: The best cribbage players quickly recognize potential combinations, so practice mental math to improve your counting speed.
Variations of Cribbage
While the two-player version is the most common, cribbage can also be played in different formats:
- Three-player cribbage: Each player is dealt five cards, and one card is placed into the crib.
- Four-player cribbage: Played in partnerships, with each player receiving five cards and discarding one into the crib.
- Muggins: A variation where opponents can claim missed points if a player fails to count their score correctly.
Why Cribbage is a Game Worth Learning
Cribbage isn’t just a fun pastime—it’s a great way to sharpen your mental math, strategic thinking, and social skills. The game’s unique blend of skill and luck makes every round exciting, and the cribbage board itself adds a tactile element that enhances the experience. Whether you’re playing casually with family or competing in tournaments, cribbage is a fantastic game to add to your repertoire.
So grab a deck of cards, find a cribbage board, and start playing! Once you get the hang of it, you’ll see why cribbage has remained a beloved classic for over 400 years.