How to Play Cribbage: Rules and Scoring for Beginners

By Kikkerland Design Inc | Published: 2026-10-18

Category: How-to Guides

Learn cribbage rules, scoring, and pegging with this beginner-friendly guide. Master the board, hands, and strategy to start playing today.

Quick answer

Cribbage is a two-player card game where you score points by forming combinations and pegging along a wooden board. The first to 121 points wins, and the key is understanding hand values and pegging rules.

Understanding the cribbage board

The cribbage board is your scorekeeper. It has rows of holes and pegs that move along the track as you earn points. The board typically has 121 holes, representing the target score. Each player uses two pegs to track their score—the rear peg jumps ahead as you score, and the front peg marks your previous position. This makes it easy to verify points and avoid disputes.

The board also includes a separate track for the 'crib'—the extra hand that the dealer scores. The crib is a key strategic element, so understanding how it works is essential.

Why the crib matters

In cribbage, the dealer gets an extra hand called the crib, which is made from cards discarded by both players. This gives the dealer a scoring advantage, so the non-dealer gets to cut the deck first. The crib can turn the tide of the game, so deciding which cards to throw into it is a crucial strategic choice.

For beginners, it's common to overlook the crib's value. Remember that the dealer scores the crib, so if you're the dealer, you want to put good cards in it; if you're the non-dealer, you want to throw away cards that won't help your opponent.

Step-by-step guide to playing cribbage

Set up the board and deal: Place the board between you and your opponent. Each player chooses two pegs and starts at the beginning. The dealer shuffles and deals six cards to each player (or five if playing with three or four players). The non-dealer cuts the deck to determine who deals first. Check that each player has the correct number of cards before proceeding.
Discard to the crib: Each player chooses two cards to discard face-down to form the crib. The dealer collects these four cards and sets them aside. The crib is an extra hand that the dealer will score later. Common mistake: discarding high cards to the crib when you are the non-dealer. Throw away cards that are less likely to help your opponent's hand.
Cut the deck and reveal the starter: The non-dealer cuts the deck, and the dealer turns up the top card. This is the starter card. If it's a jack, the dealer immediately scores two points for 'his heels.' The starter is used by all hands, including the crib. Remember to score 'his heels' right away if the starter is a jack—it's an easy two points that beginners often forget.
Peg during the play: Starting with the non-dealer, players take turns playing cards face-up, announcing the running total. The total must not exceed 31. Score points for combinations like pairs, runs, and reaching exactly 15 or 31. If a player cannot play without exceeding 31, they say 'go,' and the other player scores one point. Common mistake: forgetting to score for a run when cards are played in sequence. Watch for consecutive cards regardless of suits.
Score your hands: After the play, each player scores their hand using the starter card. The non-dealer scores first, then the dealer, and finally the crib (also using the starter). Count points for combinations: 15s (2 points each), pairs (2 points), runs (1 point per card), flushes (4 or 5 points), and 'one for his nob' (jack of the same suit as the starter, 1 point). Double-check your hand for all possible combinations—it's easy to miss a 15 or a run that uses the starter card.
Advance your pegs and continue: Move your pegs to reflect your score. The dealer shuffles and deals again, alternating the deal each round. The first player to reach 121 points wins the game. Keep track of the score on the board—it's easy to overshoot your peg position if you're not careful.

Product spotlight

Cribbage: This wooden cribbage board includes metal pegs for scorekeeping that store in a secret compartment. The built-in peg storage keeps everything together, so you won't lose pieces between games.
Cribbage