Rules of cribbage. Quite the same Wikipedia. Learn how to play the ever-popular game of cribbage.Learn how to play the ever-popular game of cribbage. Cribbage, or crib, is a card game traditionally for two players, but commonly played with three, four or more, that involves playing and grouping cards in combinations which gain points. Cribbage has several distinctive features: the cribbage board used for score-keeping, the eponymous crib, box.

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What is Cribbage?

Cribbage is a card game originating from the United Kingdom, and it is designed to be played by 2-6 players. The game is, at its core, a strategy-based card game, but it also has a distinct cribbage board that epitomizes the game type. The game has a strict set of rules and a unique scoring system, making it an acquired taste.

The classic Cribbage game has quite a following, especially in its country of origin. It is commonly played in pubs, clubs and other places of gathering, and serves as a popular pastime among the UK-based public.

The Board

Cribbage’s most distinctive aspect is theboard, and the same board style has been used since the game’s introduction inthe early 17^th century. The board serves as a makeshift scoringsheet, and is definitely one of the defining aspects of the game.

A typical Cribbage board template is a sequence of holes,known as “streets”, laid out in a cyclic fashion. Scores are kept across thewhole game, so two pegs are used per player. These pegs are used in analternating fashion, such that the previous peg always remains to show theprevious score.

While that forms the essentialscore-counting part of the board, there are also certain other boards thatincorporate a separate game-counter, which shows the number of games won byeach side.

How manyholes are in a Cribbage board?

The boards count score for each player, upto a maximum of 121, hence each line of peg-holes having a maximum of 120 holesin total.

How to Play Cribbage?

Cribbage is designed to be played by 2-6players, and you really just need a deck of the standard 52-card deck to play Cribbage. The board is anadded bonus, but can be substituted with a simple score sheet or counter if oneis unavailable.

The goal of the game is to be the firstplayer to reach the score threshold of 121 points, though certain variationsmight prefer the 61-point limit instead. Scores are awarded for satisfyingspecific conditions, which will be described in detail in the Scoring sectionof the guide.

We provide easy Cribbage instructions for the 2-player variant below.

Deal Phase

Regardless of the number of players, theturn order is determined through deck splitting. The player who reveals thelowest card goes first. Turn order then proceeds in clockwise order.

The dealer shuffles the deck and proceeds todeal 6 cards to each player. These 6 cards form the hands of each player. Eachplayer is then required to discard 2 cards, to form the crib. These discardedcards are placed face down, and will only be used in the Show phase of thegame.

At this stage, all players will have handsconsisting of 4 cards, and the crib also contains 4 cards.

The player to the left of the dealer willthen cut the deck, and the dealer reveals the top card. This card will be the“starter”.

Dealers rotate at the end of each round.

Play Phase

The non-dealer goes first, and places acard from their hand face up in front of her, stating the count. The count iscumulative, so each successive card played by any player will add to thisvalue.

For instance, if the first card laid down isa 5, the non-dealer will say “5” as the count. The dealer then plays a 10 inresponse. The dealer will say “15” as the count, summing up all previouslyplayed cards.

The count cannot exceed 31, and if a playeris unable to play cards without exceeding the count, they will say “Go”. If allplayers call “Go”, the last player who managed to play a card will earn apoint. The count is then reset to 0.

During the Play phase, players can beawarded points for achieving certain conditions. These include:

• Making a count of exactly 15
• Playing a card that is a pair,three of a kind, or four of a kind with the previously played card
• Making a run of three or morecards (note that suit is unimportant in these runs)

As scores are awarded, the pegs are movedin a leapfrog fashion. For example, if the dealer gets 2 points, he places apeg 2 holes ahead.

Show Phase

Once the play phase concludes, each playerthen places their hands face-up. Scores are the awarded based on the contentsof each hand. The starter card that was revealed during the Deal phase is alsoconsidered in the combinations.

Points are awarded for the following:

• Combinations of cards totallinga value of 15
• Runs
• Pairs
• Nobs, where a player has a Jackof the same suit as the starter card
• Flushes

When revealing each combination, the playeris required to show each combination, and count the points out loud.

The dealer, after counting his/her hand,also counts the crib, and adds valid combinations from the crib to his score.

Winning

A player wins the game once he/she reachesthe defined point threshold.

Cribbage Rules

There are specific rules one must follow in Cribbage, and there is the optional “Muggins” rule that can add a layer of strategy.

Card Values

The cards are valued with Kings being thehighest card, and Aces being the lowest.

Calling Counts

Counts are called with the conditionpreceeding it. For example, a player will call their scores as such “Pair 2,Pair 4, Three of a kind 7, 15 9…” and so on. This applies to all phases of thegame.

Flipping Jacks

If a Jack is revealed during the deckcutting, the player making the cut will be awarded 2 points.

CribbageRun Rules

Runs do not have to be played in order. Forexample, Player 1 plays an 8, followed by a 10 from Player 2. Player 1 can thenplay a 9 to claim a run.

Muggins

Since the game involves calling out thevalid combinations for scores, it is possible for players to miss some scorablesets. If other players observe these missed point opportunities, they can call“Muggins” to claim the points.

Note that this is an optional rule, andsome people play without this rule.

Summary of Rules

In summary, the Cribbage pegging rules are:

• Dealer is determined by deck cutting.
• Each player is dealt 6 cards.
• Each player discards 2 cards to the crib.
• The non-dealer cuts the deck to reveal the “starter” card.
• The non-dealer begins by playing a card, followed by the dealer.
• The play continues until all players have clear their cards from their hand.
• The Show phase commences, and each player counts their hand.
• The dealer counts the crib.
• The dealer rotates at the end of the round.
• When a player reaches the defined point threshold, they win.

Scoring Chart & Points

Cribbage scoring is based on the available combinations of cards, and each combination has a different assigned score. Once a player achieves the required points, they win the game. The highest score in Cribbage is 121, at which point the player wins.

Scoring Chart

The standard cribbage scoring chart is shown below.

There also several Cribbage scoring calculators available like this one.

Hand Example

This is an example hand of Cribbage played from thedeal to the end of the round.

The players are then required to discard 2cards to form the crib.

Crib: 6 ♥, K ♥, 10 ♦, 8 ♦

A starter card of is A ♣ is revealed.

The Play phase begins:

1. The non-dealer begins by playing a A ♣.
2. The dealer plays a A ♦, making a pair, getting awarded 2 points.
3. The non-dealer plays his/her A ♥, making a three of a kind, earning 6 points.
4. The dealer plays a 3 ♠, increasing the count to 6.
5. The non-dealer plays a 6 ♣, increasing the count to 12.
6. The dealer plays as 3 ♦, increasing the count to 15, earning 2 points.
7. The remaining cards are played out without any points being earned by either player.

At the end of the Play phase, the scores are:

• Dealer: 4 points
• Non-dealer: 6 points

The Show phase then begins:

The dealer’s hand has 2 pairs (3s and Aces with the starter card). The dealer gets 4 points.

The non-dealer’s hand has a three of a kind (Aces with the starter card). The dealer gets 6 points.

The players now have these points:

• Dealer: 4 + 4 = 8 points
• Non-dealer: 6 + 6 points = 12 points

The dealer then counts the crib, but thereare no available combinations.

Hence, the round ends with these scores:

• Dealer: 8 points
• Non-dealer: 12 points

The dealer the rotates for the next round.

What is thebest hand in Cribbage?

The best hand is ultimately subjectiveduring the Play phase, but the highest score a hand can get during the Showphase is 29.

The best possible hand is 5♠5♣ 5♥ 5♦ and any Jack.

One of the four cards will be the startercard. This combination gives 8 different 15s for 16 points, a four of a kindworth 12 points, and a nobs worth 1 point, giving a total of 29 points.

Cribbage Strategy & Tips

Strategy and tips to help you master Cribbage land:

• Discards are important, as the crib serves as a possibility for the dealer to earn extra points.
• Cribbage strategy revolves around choosing the right cards to play during the play phase.
• Remember, runs do not have to be played in order.
• The best cribbage players always have the count in mind, getting easy 15s and 31s.
• Take your time during the show phase, as you don’t want to miss potential points.
• Keeping runs during the Deal phase can help during the Show phase, but not necessarily during the Play phase.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the game invented?

Cribbage was invented in the early 1600s in Great Britain. You can read more on the history here.

How many points is a Four of a Kind in Cribbage?

A four of a kind is worth 12 points.

What is a Skunk in Cribbage?

A skunk is when a player wins with a 31 point difference with his opponent.

What is a Flush in Cribbage?

A flush is a combination of 4 or more cards in the same suit.

Useful Links

• American Cribbage Congress: The largest Cribbage organization in the world. They standardized the rules for tournaments.
• The Cribbage Guy: Great place to find all kinds of unique Crib Boards.
• Cribbage Boards – Limited Edition: House of Cribbage is an online store for limited edition exquisite inlaid wooden boards.

Home › UK Rules › Children › Games › Cards › Cribbage

Cribbage - often abbreviated to crib - is a two, three, or sometimes four player (e.g. playing two against two as partners) card game.

The information in this guide explains how to play cribbage card game and the terms, definitions, and lingo used by the players.

RULES OF CRIBBAGE UK: The regulations explained in this article refer mostly to the two (2) player cribbage game.

There is one main object of cribbage. The aim is to be the first player to score 61 or 121 points.

Players need nominal equipment to play crib. You need a 52 standard deck of cards and a crib board - called a cribbage pegging out board.

As a rule, a crib tournament will use the 61 point game to speed up the knockout stages. But, the 121 point game is the most popular version played in pubs, especially when there are 4 players.

Legal Note about Crib Rules: Last time we checked, cribbage is the only card game you can play 'legally' for money in British pubs. Another section contains more information about old English laws not repealed.

How to Play Cribbage UK: 6 Sections

1. The Cut: Cutting the deck before dealing.
2. The Deal: Dealing out the cards.
3. Cribbage Discards: Placing cards into the dealers crib (box).
4. The Play: Pegging as many points as possible.
5. The Show: Adding up the scores and pegging on the board.
6. The Crib: Adding up extra scores from the box and pegging them on the board.

1. Cribbage Cut Rules: Who Cuts the Deck

The first step is to shuffle the pack of cards and then each player cuts the deck in turn. The player turning up the lowest card becomes the dealer. A 'king' is the highest card and an 'ace' is lowest.

Cutting the deck determines the first dealer. But, the dealership alternates between the players after making the first deal.

What if both players cut the same card, such as two queens? In this case the players should reshuffle the whole pack and both players cut the deck once more.

2. Cribbage Dealing Rules

The dealer shuffles the pack once more and then the non-dealer cuts the deck. The dealer should deal out six (6) cards face down and in turn to each player, dealing out to the non-dealer first.

Important: An English pub cribbage game will often award three (3) points to the non-dealer once only and at the start of play.

3. The Cribbage Discard Strategy

How Many Points Is 3 Of A Kind In Cribbage Game

Each player should discard two (2) cards, face down into the dealers crib. The crib should stay face down until it is ready for cribbage scoring and pegging.

The top card of the deck becomes the 'turn card' (also called the start card). If it is a 'jack', the dealer pegs two (2) points (saying out loud 'two for his heels' - also called nibs).

4. Crib Rules: The Play

The basic aim of cribbage is to peg as many points as possible. The non-dealer lays the first card face up and the dealer follows. Players must 'call out and peg' if they score points. Play will continue until someone reaches a count of 31 or both players call 'go'.

If a player cannot lay a card without going over 31 they call 'go' and the other player continues. But, once both players say 'go', or there is a 31, you must move the cards to one side and face down.

The person who did not lay the last card starts the new play. The cards stay in front of each player because they are for 'the show'.

How to Play Cribbage Points

• 2 Points: For making 15
• 2 Points: For a pair
• 6 Points: For three of a kind
• 12 Points: For cribbage four of a kind
• 1 Point (per card): For a run of three or more
• 1 Point (for last card rules): Not making 31
• 2 Points: For making 31

5. The Show in Cribbage Rules UK

The non-dealer places their cards face up, counts their tally, and pegs the score. The dealer follows that by doing the same with their hand.

All five cards, which includes the four (4) hand cards as well as the turn card, are available for crib pegging rules. The same cards are also in play for extra points.

• Example A: The four cards in the hand are all hearts with a 4, 5, and a 6. This scores 2 points for fifteen, 3 points for a run of three, and 4 points for a flush of 4. The total score for that crib hand would be 9 points.
• Example B: In the hand is a 5 and a 10, the turn card is also a 10. That example would score 4 points for two fifteens (5 hand card plus 10 hand card and 5 hand card plus 10 turn card). You would also get 2 points for a pair (10 hand card plus 10 turn card). The total score for that crib hand would be 6 points.

Note: It is impossible to score 19 points in Cribbage. If a player calls a count of 19 points you should call the 'muggins' rule. Question how they get the count of 19 if you do not play the muggins rule.

When beginners count the points it is best to do it in your head first. Then count out your score aloud before you peg them on the board. Miscounting the muggins rule can cost you points in the rules of cribbage UK.

6. The Rules for Crib

Crib scoring is exactly the same principle as that of the show. One exception is that a crib score can only include a flush if all five crib cards are of the same suit to get the 5 points.

Adding Up The Show and Crib Points

• 2 Points: A score of fifteen (cards adding up to 15).
• 2 Points: A pair (2 cards with the same number).
• 6 Points: Three of a kind (pair royal).
• 12 Points: Four of a kind in the crib (double pair royal).
• 1 point per card: A run of three or more.
• 4 Points: Four card flush (all four cards of the same suit in a hand).
• 5 Points: Five card flush (the turn card is the same suit as the hand suit). Note: The Crib needs all 5 cards to flush to get the points.
• Muggins: The number of points missed by the opponent.

Reshuffle the pack after counting up the crib. The game returns to the next deal and continues until one player gets over 61 points (2 player game).

Terms Used in Cribbage

• The deck of cards is a standard 52 pack of playing cards. But, players should remove the two jokers from the pack.
• A cribbage pegging board is a special scoring device made for the game. The board is the same one used for two to four players and has 4 rows of 30 holes. The rows have a space every five holes. The gap after the first two rows is to separate the two players' scores. There are 4 extra holes for holding pegs.
• The hand refers to the 4 cards that the player has after each deal.
• The turn card (or starter card) is the top card after the non-dealer's cut.
• Cribbage pegs get used to track the score. The back peg is where the last score was. Whereas, the front peg denotes what the new score is. The third peg comes into play when you have gone around the board once already (i.e. scored 60 points).
• One for his nob (or nobs) refers to the jack cards. If a player is holding a jack that matches the same suit as the starter card, they will get one (1) extra point.
• Crib (or cribbage box) is the 4 cards discarded by the players.
• Go is a call made by a player when they cannot play a card and the count has not reached 31.
• Muggins occurs when an opponent sees the player miscount and pegged out their total. The opponent then receives the missed point. For example a player counts 10 points and the opponent sees he has missed 2 points they call 'muggins' and pegs those 2 points. If you over count and your opposition call muggins you lose all your points. But, crib muggins rules are optional and not always used.
• Crib terms skunked refers to a player who cannot reach 91 points before their opponent scores 121 (or more). In this case the winner would get two extra match points for that game. Cribbage skunk rules would only get used in tournament games.

Fun fact: The name for the penultimate hole on the board (e.g. before the finishing hole) is the 'stink hole'.

Cribbage Rhymes

These cribbage tips and rhymes are sometimes said during play when laying a card to hit 31 from a score that is:

How Many Points Is 3 5s In Cribbage

• 29 (2's in time)
• 28 (3's is great)
• 27 (4's in heaven)
• 26 (5's a fix)
• 25 (6's alive)
• 24 (7's a score)
• 23 (8's a spree)
• 22 (9 will do)

Brief History of Cribbage

The game of cribbage comes from 'noddy' a 16th Century card game. Noddy was about as useful for gambling as the game of SNAP. So an Englishman named Sir John Suckling changed the game and it became cribbage in the 17th Century.

How Many Points Is 3 Of A Kind In Cribbage Games

Sir John Suckling was a courtier, a poet, and an ardent gambler. One rumour says he gave gifts of marked cards to the aristocracy. He then made his fortune by winning large sums of money from them.

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How Many Points Is 3 Of A Kind In Cribbage Rules

Note: The short video explains the basic fundamentals and it's a useful addition to the official cribbage PDF instructions.

How Many Points Is 3 Of A Kind In Cribbage Table

Rules of Cribbage Made Easy for Beginners in United Kingdom

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