Official Cribbage Rules

Last Updated on June 25, 2026 by The Official Game Rules Team

Cribbage is a classic card game that combines card play with a unique scoring system involving a “crib” and pegging. This page provides a clear breakdown of the rules, guiding you through the card counting, pegging, and scoring that define this game.

This page covers the general rules of Cribbage. The most popular forms of Cribbage are Six Card Cribbage, followed by Five Card Cribbage.

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How to Play Cribbage

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Overview

The objective is to be the first player to reach 121 points.

• Number of Players: Cribbage is played with two players.
• The Deck: A standard 52-card deck is used.
• Card Ranking: Cards rank as follows: King (high), Queen, Jack, 10 down to 2, and Ace (low).

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Setup

1. Shuffle and Deal: Shuffle the deck and deal six cards face down to each player.
2. The Crib: Each player discards two cards face down to a central area called the crib. These discarded cards will be used for scoring later by the dealer.
3. Cut the Deck: The non-dealer cuts the remaining deck (usually the bottom half is placed on top). The top card of the cut deck becomes the starter card, turned face up.

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Gameplay

Playing a Hand (Pegging)

After each player receives six cards and discards two cards to the crib, the starter card is turned face up.

1. His Heels: If the starter card is a Jack, the dealer immediately scores 2 points. The play phase, also called pegging, then begins.
2. Eldest Hand Leads: The non-dealer (eldest hand) plays the first card face up on the table and announces the running total.
3. Continuing Play: Players take turns playing one card at a time. Any card may be played as long as the running total does not exceed 31.
4. Go: If a player cannot play a card without exceeding 31, they say “Go.” The other player may continue playing cards until they also cannot play or the total reaches 31.
5. Resetting the Count: When both players are unable to continue, or when the total reaches exactly 31, the count resets to zero and a new counting sequence begins. Runs and pairs do not carry over into the new sequence.

Scoring During Pegging

• 15: If the running total reaches exactly 15, the player scores 2 points.
• 31: If the running total reaches exactly 31, the player scores 2 points.
• Pair: Playing a card of the same rank as the immediately preceding card scores 2 points.
• Three of a Kind: If three cards of the same rank are played consecutively, the third card scores 6 points.
• Four of a Kind: If four cards of the same rank are played consecutively, the fourth card scores 12 points.
• Runs: Three or more consecutive cards played in sequence score points equal to the number of cards in the run. For example, a run of three scores 3 points, and a run of four scores 4 points.
• Last Card: The player who plays the last card before a “Go” scores 1 point, unless that card also makes 31, in which case only the 2 points for 31 are scored.

Scoring the Hands and the Crib

After all cards have been played, players score their hands using the four cards in hand plus the starter card.

Players score points for:

• Fifteens: Every combination of cards totaling 15 scores 2 points.
• Pairs: Each pair scores 2 points.
• Runs: Runs of three or more consecutive cards score points equal to the length of the run.
• Flush: A four-card flush in the hand scores 4 points. If the starter card matches the suit, the flush scores 5 points.
• His Nobs: A Jack in the hand that matches the suit of the starter card scores 1 point.

Scoring Order:

• The non-dealer scores their hand first.
• The dealer scores their hand second.
• The dealer scores the crib last using the same scoring rules.

Crib Flush Rule: In the crib, a flush scores only if all five cards (the four crib cards plus the starter card) are the same suit.

The first player to reach 121 points wins the game.

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Moving the Pegs:

• Players use their colored pegs to track their score on the cribbage board. After each scoring phase (hand and crib), move your peg the corresponding number of spaces forward on the board.

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Winning the Game

The first player to move their peg completely around the board twice, ending on the 121st point (or the predetermined score), wins the game!

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Basic Strategy

• Focus on 15s and Runs: During play, prioritize playing cards that create 15s or contribute to runs being built.
• Manage the Crib: When discarding for the crib, consider what cards might benefit your opponent’s crib score. Try to discard cards that are unlikely to create good scoring combinations for them.
• Lead Strategically: Leading with a 5 or a 10 can give your opponent an advantage in creating 15s. Consider leading with cards that might help you score points or disrupt your opponent’s plans.
• Keep Track of Used Cards: Remember which cards have been played to anticipate what your opponent might have left in their hand.
• Play the Long Game: Don’t sacrifice a potentially good scoring opportunity later in the hand just to score a few points right away.

Ready to take your Cribbage game to the next level? Checkout our Complete Cribbage Advanced Strategies Guide!

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Game Variations

Short Game

• Play to 61 points instead of 121.

Muggins Rule

• If a player misses points during scoring, the opponent can call “Muggins” and claim those missed points (optional but common in competitive play).

Skunk Rules

• Scoring under 61 is a skunk—the winner earns a quadruple win.
• If a player scores under 91, they lose a double game.

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Video Tutorial

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Cribbage FAQ

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Similar Trick-Taking Card Games

If you enjoy Cribbage, you might like these similar card games:

1. Euchre – A trick-taking game with a fast pace and strategic teamwork.
2. Pinochle – A melding and trick-taking game with a unique scoring system.
3. Scat (31) – A simple game where players try to get the highest-value hand.
4. Bezique – A two-player melding and trick-taking game that influenced Pinochle.
5. Briscola – An Italian trick-taking game with simple rules but deep strategy.
6. Gin Rummy – A two-player melding game focused on forming sets and runs.
7. Sheepshead – A strategic trick-taking game with complex partnerships.
8. Whist – A classic trick-taking game that laid the foundation for Bridge.

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Video Tutorial