Official Five Card Cribbage Rules

Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by The Official Game Rules Team

Five Card Cribbage is the original form of Cribbage, dating back to the 1600s. Though many modern card players now prefer the Six-Card format, this historic version remains popular among traditional participants in Britain and beyond. It blends tactical discarding, precise counting, and a distinctive pegging mechanic using a cribbage board.

With fewer cards dealt and a shorter race to victory, Five Card Cribbage rewards careful planning, awareness of your opponent, and smart use of the crib.

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see our disclosures here.

How to Play Five Card Cribbage

---

Number of Players and Equipment

Five Card Cribbage is designed for two participants.

You will need:

• A standard 52-card deck (also called a pack)
• A cribbage board with pegs
• Two card players

The cribbage board tracks scoring up to 61 points. Each player uses two pegs. The rear peg jumps ahead of the front peg to mark each new score, making it easy to confirm totals.

---

Object of the Game

The object of the game is to be the first player to reach 61 points. Points are scored during play (pegging), when counting each player’s hand, and from the crib.

The winner is the first player to peg 61 or more points. Exact count is not required.

---

Card Rank and Values

Cards rank from highest to lowest:

King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, Ace.

During pegging:

• Ace counts as 1
• Number cards count at their pip value
• Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) have a numerical value of 10

The rank of a card determines runs and matching combinations, while its numerical value determines totals like 15s.

---

Determining the Dealer

Each player cuts the deck. The lower card becomes the dealer.

The non-dealer (also called the pone) receives 3 points automatically before the first hand as compensation. After that, players alternate dealing with no additional bonus.

---

The Deal

The dealer shuffles the pack, the non-dealer cuts, and five cards are dealt to each player one at a time. The remaining deck is placed face down.

---

The Crib

After receiving five cards, each player discards two cards face down. These four cards form the crib.

The crib belongs to the dealer and will be scored after both hands. Because of this, the non-dealer should be cautious about giving strong combination of cards to the crib, while the dealer may discard more aggressively.

Discarding to the crib is one of the most strategic aspects of the game.

---

The Starter Card

Once both players discard, the non-dealer cuts the remaining deck. The dealer reveals the top card of the lower portion. This is called the starter card.

If the starter card is a Jack, the dealer immediately scores 2 points. This bonus is called heels.

The starter card is used later when counting both hands and the crib.

---

The Play (Pegging Phase)

The non-dealer (pone) is the first player to lay down a card. Players alternate playing a single card face up, announcing the running total. The count may not exceed 31.

If a player cannot play without going over 31, they say “Go.” The opponent continues if possible.

When neither player can play without exceeding 31:

• The player who laid the last card scores 1 point
• If the total equals exactly 31, that player scores 2 points instead

Unlike modern cribbage variations, Five Card Cribbage has only one counting sequence. There is no reset to zero and leftover cards may remain.

---

Scoring During Pegging

Points are scored immediately during play for the following:

• 15s: If a card brings the running total to exactly 15, score 2 points.
• Pairs: If a card matches the rank of the previous card, score 2 points.
• Triplet (Pair Royal): Three cards of the same rank in sequence score 6 points.
• Double Pair Royal: Four of the same rank played consecutively score 12 points.
• Runs: Three or more consecutive ranks score 1 point per card. Runs may be created in any order but must be uninterrupted.

Example: If the sequence of played cards forms 4-5-6 in any order, it scores 3 points.

Careful tracking during pegging is critical, especially with muggins in effect.

---

Muggins Rule (Optional)

• In many circles, muggins is played.
• If a player fails to claim points they are entitled to during pegging or counting, the opponent may call “muggins” and claim those missed points instead.
• This mechanic penalizes inattention and rewards sharp counting.

---

The Show (Counting the Hands)

After pegging ends, hands are scored in this order:

1. Non-dealer (pone)
2. Dealer
3. Crib (dealer scores)

Each player’s hand consists of their four kept cards plus the starter card.

---

Scoring Combinations

Points are awarded for every valid combination of cards:

• 15s: Every different combination totaling 15 scores 2 points.
• Pairs: Two cards of the same rank score 2 points.
• Triplet: Three of a kind score 6 points.
• Double Pair Royal: Four of a kind score 12 points.
• Runs: Three or more consecutive ranks score 1 point per card.
• Flush in the player’s hand: Three cards of the same suit score 3 points. Four cards (including starter card) score 4 points.
• In the crib: All four crib cards plus the starter card must match suit to score 5 points.
• Nobs: A Jack in the player’s hand that matches the suit of the starter card scores 1 point. This is called nobs.

---

Example of Hand Scoring

Hand: 7, 8, 8
Starter card: 9

15s
Two different combination of cards make 15 = 4 points

Pair
Two 8s = 2 points

Runs
Two runs of 7-8-9 = 6 points

Total = 12 points

Every distinct combination must be counted.

---

Winning the Game

• The game ends immediately once a player reaches or passes 61 points. That player is declared the winner.
• If the losing player has 31 points or fewer when the winner reaches 61, this is called a skunk and is considered a decisive victory.
• Some variations include a double skunk for even lower scores.

---

Penalties and Irregularities

Wrong number of cards
If a player is found holding the wrong number of cards, a penalty may apply. Often the offending player loses points or forfeits the hand depending on house rules.

Misdeal
If the dealer distributes cards incorrectly, the opponent may require a redeal.

Incorrect claim
With muggins in effect, missed scoring opportunities can be claimed by the opponent.

Clear counting prevents disputes and keeps the game fair.

---

Strategy Tips

Be cautious as the non-dealer
Avoid giving your opponent powerful scoring combinations in the crib.

Value the ace carefully
The ace’s low pip value makes it flexible for 15s and runs.

Watch for 15s constantly
Many hands contain hidden 15s.

Track the count during pegging
Controlling the last card can gain extra points.

Protect against muggins
Always double-check your scoring before announcing your new score.

Think about rank distribution
Holding connected ranks improves run potential.

Play defensively near 61
If your opponent is close to winning, adjust your approach.

---

Common Variations

While Five Card Cribbage is traditional, several variations exist:

• Playing to 121 instead of 61
• Using muggins strictly
• Alternative skunk rules
• Adjusted flush scoring

Some card players prefer mixing mechanics from modern six-card cribbage.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

---

Conclusion

Five Card Cribbage remains a beautifully balanced blend of luck and skill. From careful crib discards to maximizing 15s and runs, every hand demands attention. The tension of the pegging mechanic, the tactical value of the last card, and the ever-present risk of muggins keep both participants fully engaged.

Whether you are revisiting this historic format or discovering it for the first time, mastering the crib, understanding rank interactions, and anticipating your opponent’s strategy will consistently improve your results.