Game Rules
CribbageScoring with the pegboard

A British counting game. Combinations of fifteens, pairs and runs score points on the classic pegboard.

Players2 – 4
Duration15 – 25 Min
Deck52 Cards · 1 Deck
LevelMedium
I · Game Idea

Fifteens,
Pairs and Runs

I

Cribbage uses a characteristic pegboard for scoring. Players take turns playing cards and counting their running total – certain sub-totals earn immediate points.

After the playing phase, each hand is checked again for combinations: fifteens (sum 15), pairs, runs (sequences) and flushes earn additional points.

II · Preparation

Before the
Game Begins

II
1
Deal cards
For 2 players: 6 cards each. Each player puts 2 into the "Crib" (dealer's bonus pile).
2
Draw start card
One card is turned face up – if it's a Jack, the dealer immediately scores 2 points.
3
Prepare pegboard
Each player gets two pegs for their pegboard tracking.
Before Starting

Fifteens are the most frequent source of points – always keep in mind the current total when playing cards.

III · Card Values
How Points
Are Scored
III
15
Fifteens
2 Points
If the running total reaches exactly 15: 2 immediate points for the last player.
P
Pair
2 Points
Two cards of the same value played consecutively: 2 points.
R
Run
1 Point per Card
Three or more consecutive values (any suit): 1 point per card in the run.
31
Exactly 31
2 Points
If the total reaches exactly 31 (maximum): 2 points for the last player.
IV · Gameplay

Count by
Count

IV
1
Play cards
Alternately play cards, the running total must not exceed 31.
2
Immediate Points
Fifteens, pairs, runs scored immediately during play and marked.
3
Hand Scoring
After the playing phase: check each hand plus the start card for all possible combinations.
4
Score Crib
The dealer additionally scores their Crib (the discarded bonus cards of all players).
5
Count points
All points are marked on the pegboard. The first player to reach 121 points (twice around the board) wins the game.
V · Variants
Variants
V

Cribbage is particularly popular in Great Britain and the USA as a pub game.

3
Three Players
With three players: 5 cards each, an extra crib contribution.
6
Six-Card Cribbage
Standard two-player version with 6 cards instead of 5.
M
Muggins
If a player misses a scoring opportunity, the opponent may claim those points for themselves.
∅
Without Board
Using paper and pencil instead of a physical pegboard.
VI · Tips & Tricks

What really
matters

VI
Strategy Tips
+

When contributing to the Crib, discard cards that are of little value to you but don't help the dealer too much, if you are not the dealer yourself.

+

When playing cards, keep the running total carefully in mind – fifteens and 31 score immediate points that are easily overlooked.

+

Play cards in a way that actively builds a run if the opportunity arises – multi-card runs score disproportionately many points.

+

When scoring the hand, observe systematically – fifteens, pairs, runs, and flushes can overlap and all score simultaneously.

Common Mistakes
–

Missing a scoring opportunity when counting – with the Muggins rule, the opponent may then claim these points for themselves.

–

Carelessly choosing the Crib contribution without considering that the dealer will benefit additionally from it.

–

When playing, blindly playing a high card without considering the running total and possible fifteens.

–

Forgetting the start card when scoring the hand – it counts towards your own hand and the crib.

Berlin Hold'em · Matching Decks
Get the right deck

Cribbage is a British pub classic – playable anywhere with a normal deck.

View all designs →
20s Playing Cards – Twin Pack For larger groups and long game nights. View Product Viking Playing Cards – Twin Pack Two decks, suitable for 5+ players. View Product
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