• Game Type: Card and board game
• Age: 10+
• Players: 2–4
• The pack: 52-card deck + Cribbage board for scoring

Cribbage has charmed players for ages. This cribbage card game thrives across the globe. Strategy meets luck in a way that’s easy to learn but difficult to master. New to cribbage? This guide walks you through the steps to play cribbage step by step. Seasoned players can also brush up on the rules of the cribbage game. Picture yourself at a table, cards in hand, pegging points. That’s the cribbage experience waiting for you.

Number of Cards

Every cribbage game needs a full deck. That’s 52 playing cards, no jokers allowed. Each card matters, from Aces to Kings. Art of Cards offers decks built to last, which are perfect for this classic.

Number of Players

In most games, two players sit across from each other. Three or four can join with tweaks to the rules. Pairs often form in four-player matches. The two-player setup keeps things sharp and personal.

The Pack

A standard 52-card pack drives cribbage. No extras, no jokers—just the basics. Suits don’t rank higher than others here. At Art of Cards, we know that quality matters. Our playing cards resist wear, keeping your games crisp and fresh. Shuffling feels smooth, and dealing stays fair. A good pack sets the tone for a great game of cribbage.

Rank of Cards

Understanding card ranks is key. Kings lead the pack, worth 10 points. Queens and Jacks follow, each worth 10 points. Aces count as 1, the lowest value. Numbers 2 through 10 stick to their face value. These values shape every move. Scoring a fifteen? You’ll need a five and a 10-point card. Runs rely on sequence, not suits.

The Draw, Shuffle and Cut

The games begin with a draw. Each player picks a card after a shuffle. The lowest card deals first. Ties mean drawing again. Shuffling mixes the deck well—no cheating here. The non-dealer cuts next. The dealer reassembles the pack. It’s a quick process, but it matters. Fair starts keep the cribbage card game honest.

The Deal

Dealing sets up the round. The dealer gives six cards to each player. One card at a time, starting with the non-dealer. Both then discard two cards. These four cards form the crib. The dealer owns the crib, but both players feed it. Choosing discards tests your skill. Keep a strong hand, but don’t gift the dealer too much.

Objective of the Game

Reaching 121 points wins cribbage. Players peg points on a cribbage board. Two phases fuel the score: the play and the show. Every card played or held can push you closer. Boards often have two tracks, one per player. Pegs leapfrog as points pile up. Hit 121 first, and victory is yours. Some play to 61 for a faster finish.

The Crib

The crib gives the dealer an edge. Four cards—two from each player—make up the set. Discards stay face-down until scoring. The dealer counts it as a fifth hand. A firm crib can swing a round. Players must guess what their opponent might toss. Send low cards? Keep high ones? Strategy shapes the crib’s power.

Before the Play

Prep wraps up with the starter card. The non-dealer cuts the deck. The dealer reveals the top card of the lower half. This starter card joins every hand for scoring later. It’s a wild card of sorts, shared by all. A King might boost runs. A 5 could make fifteen. The game shifts once it’s flipped.

The Play

Play starts with the non-dealer. They lay a card and say its value. The dealer responds, adding the value of their card. The count grows, but it can’t exceed 31. Points come fast here. A pair scores 2 points—a run of three—like 4-5-6—scores 3. Hitting 15 or 31 adds 2 points. Players alternate turns until no cards remain that fit under 31.

The Go

“Go” signals a pause. A player cannot play without busting 31. They pass the turn. The opponent plays any cards they can. Reach 31 exactly, and it’s 2 points. Fall short, and the last card played scores 1 point for the “go.”

Pegging

Pegging tracks every point in the play. Each score moves a peg forward. A pair earns 2 points. Making 15 scores two more. Runs depend on length—3 points for three cards, 4 for four. Hitting 31 is 2 points. A “go” gives 1 point for each card played after.

Counting the Hands

Play ends, and hands take centre stage. The non-dealer counts first. Four cards plus the starter card form the hand. Fifteens, pairs, runs, and flushes rack up points. The dealer counts their hand next, then the crib.

Basic Scoring Combinations

• Fifteens: Any cards totaling 15 score 2 points.
• Pairs: Each pair scores 2 points.
• Runs: A run of 3 cards scores 3 points, 4 cards score 4, etc.
• Flush: Four cards of the same suit score 4 points; add starter card of the same suit for 5 points.
• Nobs: A Jack matching the starter’s suit scores 1 point.

Combinations

Hands can stack points high. Take a 5, 5, 6, 7 hand with a 10 starter. Two 5s make a pair (2 points). A 5 and 10 hit fifteen (2 points). Then 5-6-7 runs for 3 points. That’s 7 points from one hand.

Common Scoring Formulas

• Two cards to 15: 2 points
• Pair: 2 points
• Three of a kind: 6 points
• Four of a kind: 12 points
• Run of 3: 3 points
• Run of 4: 4 points
• Flush in hand: 4 points (5 with starter)

The Show

The show puts hands on display. The non-dealer lays out their cards first. They count with the starter card. Pairs, runs, and more add up. The dealer follows, scoring their hand and crib.

Game

Cribbage ends at 121 points. Rounds roll on—deal, play, show—until someone crosses the line. Pegs leap ahead with each score. A close game might hinge on the crib. Shorter games stop at 61 points.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overvaluing the Crib: Don’t sacrifice a firm hand to build a mediocre crib.
• Ignoring Suits: A flush is rare but valuable. Hold four suited cards when possible.
• Wasting Aces: Aces count as 1, great for runs or making 31.
• Sacrifice the Crib: Near 121? Discard high-value cards to crib for the win.
• Not Pegging Relentlessly: Pegging often wins games before hand scoring does.
• Deny the Dealer’s Edge: Avoid giving the dealer a high-scoring crib when near endgame.

Wrapping Up

Cribbage shines as a gem among card games. History runs deep, yet it’s alive today. Simple rules grow into rich strategy. A cribbage board and deck bring it home. Every peg tells a story of skill and chance. New players find it welcoming. Old hands keep coming back.

Ready to Play Cribbage?

Try playing cribbage online or in person. Art of Cards has you covered. Our cards elevate every match. Start your journey now—peg your way to 121 with us!