How many players can play Cribbage?

Six-Card Cribbage is basically a game for two players, but it adapts easily for three players, and for four players in fixed partnerships.

What is the start card in Cribbage?

The start card is the card that is turned up at the beginning of each hand. It is not used during the play of the cards but is included in the scoring of the hand.

How are points scored in Cribbage?

Points are scored for various combinations during the play and in the crib, such as pairs, runs, 15s, and the start card.

What is a common variation of Cribbage?

Partnership Cribbage, played by four players in fixed partnerships, is a common variation; Five-Card Cribbage is an older form still played in parts of Britain.

Cribbage Rules — AllGameRules

Cribbage is a classic card game that has been played for over 300 years, originating in Britain and spreading throughout the English-speaking world. It is a popular game in pubs, and it requires a combination of low animal cunning, quick wit, and basic arithmetic skills. This article will provide a complete guide to the official rules of Six-Card Cribbage, a version of the game that is widely played today.

Objective

The objective of Cribbage is to be the first player to score 121 points or more over several deals. Points are scored mainly for combinations of cards that occur during the play, in a player's hand, and in the 'crib.'

Setup

Two players use a standard 52-card deck. Cards rank K(high) Q J 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 A(low). The first deal is determined by cutting the cards. The player cutting the lower card deals and has the first box or crib. If the cards are equal, there is another cut for first deal. The deal then alternates from hand to hand until the game is over. It is common to play best of three games.

How to Play

The dealer shuffles, the non-dealer cuts, and the dealer deals six cards face down to each player one at a time. The undealt part of the pack is placed face down on the table. Each player then chooses two cards to discard face down to form the crib. These four cards are set aside until the end of the hand, and they count for the dealer: the non-dealer will try to throw cards that are unlikely to make valuable combinations, while balancing this against keeping a good hand.

Next, the non-dealer cuts the stack of undealt cards, lifting the upper part without showing its bottom card. The dealer takes out the top card of the lower part, turns it face up, and places it face up on top of the pack. This turned-up card is called the start card. It is not used during the play of the cards but in the show it will count for combinations as part of both players' hands as well as of the dealer's box.

Beginning with the non-dealer, players take turns to play single cards. The total pip value of the cards played by both players is counted, starting from zero and adding the value of each card as it is played. This total must not exceed 31. When no more cards can be played without going over 31, the count is restarted from zero. The pip values of the cards are:

Ace = 1
2 to 10 = face value
Jack = 10
Queen = 10
King = 10

As each card is played, the player announces the running total. If a card is played which brings the total exactly to 31, the player pegs 2 claiming "Thirty-one for two." If the total is 30 or less and neither player can lay a card without going over 31, then the last player to lay a card pegs one for the "go" or one for "last."

The cards that have been played are turned over, and a fresh round of play starts with the cards remaining in the players' hands in exactly the same way. The opponent of the player who played last in the previous round plays first in the new round. This second round of play starts again from zero and continues until neither can play without going over 31. The last player again scores "1 for last" or "31 for 2," and if either player has any cards left, there is a further round. Play continues for as many rounds as necessary until both players' cards are exhausted.

Scoring and End of Game

Points are scored both during the play and at the end of the hand, when the hands and the crib are counted. During the play, bringing the running total to exactly 15 pegs 2 points ("fifteen two"), and bringing it to exactly 31 pegs 2 points. Playing a card of the same rank as the one just played makes a pair and pegs 2 points; a third card of the same rank (a pair royal) is worth 6 points and a fourth (a double pair royal) 12 points. Completing a run of three or more consecutive ranks pegs one point per card in the run — three points for a run of three, four for a run of four, and so on. It is never possible to score "one for last" and "31 for two" at the same time: they are alternatives.

The hands and the crib are counted at the end of the hand, the start card counting as a fifth card for both players' hands and for the crib. The crib always belongs to the dealer, who scores its fifteens, pairs and runs exactly as for a hand; the non-dealer scores nothing from the crib. If the start card is a jack, the dealer immediately pegs 2 holes—this is called "Two for his heels."

The game continues until one player reaches or exceeds 121 points. The winner is the first to peg out.

Common Variants

Six-Card Cribbage adapts easily for three players, and for four players in fixed partnerships. Related games listed alongside it include partnership Cribbage, Five-Card Cribbage, Table Top Cribbage, Noddy and Costly Colours. Five-Card Cribbage is an older form of the game which has been largely forgotten, though it is still played in parts of Britain.

A Fun Fact

Cribbage has spread from its British origins over 300 years ago throughout the English-speaking world, and is played in Britain, the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. In England it is primarily a pub game — indeed, it is one of the few games allowed by Statute to be played in a public house for small stakes. It is also a game where etiquette matters: the rituals of cutting, dealing, playing and pegging, as well as the terminology, keep things in order and give the game a flavour of its own.

Where to Get the Game

If you are interested in playing Cribbage, you can find a cribbage board game set on Amazon at this link.

Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

Not understanding the scoring system: It's important to familiarize yourself with the various combinations that score points in Cribbage, such as pairs, runs, 15s, and the start card.
Not counting properly: Keeping track of the running total during the play is essential for scoring points.
Not understanding the crib: The crib is a crucial part of the game, and it's important to understand how it is scored.

FAQ

What is the objective of Cribbage? The objective of Cribbage is to be the first player to score 121 points or more over several deals.
How many players can play Cribbage? Six-Card Cribbage is basically a game for two players, but it adapts easily for three players, and for four players in fixed partnerships.
What is the start card in Cribbage? The start card is the card that is turned up at the beginning of each hand. It is not used during the play of the cards but is included in the scoring of the hand.
How are points scored in Cribbage? Points are scored for various combinations during the play and in the crib, such as pairs, runs, 15s, and the start card.
What is a common variation of Cribbage? Partnership Cribbage, played by four players in fixed partnerships, is a common variation; Five-Card Cribbage is an older form still played in parts of Britain.