Cribbage 101: Simple rules for one of Wisconsin’s favorite games

Here are simple instructions for playing cribbage, which can be enjoyed by 2 to 4 players:

Objective:

• Score Points: The goal is to be the first player to score 121 points.

Equipment:

• Cribbage Board: Used to keep score with pegs for each player.
• Standard Deck: Without jokers.
• Cribbage Pegs: At least two per player.

How to Play:

1. Deal:
2. • For 2 players: Each player gets 6 cards, discards 2 into the “crib.”
   • For 3 or 4 players: Each player gets 5 cards, discards 1 into the crib.
   • The dealer’s opponent cuts the deck after dealing for the first card of the crib.
2. The Crib:
3. • The crib cards belong to the dealer and are not used until later in the scoring phase.
3. Start of Play:
4. • The non-dealer cuts the deck, and the card cut is turned up. If it’s a Jack, the dealer scores 2 points (called “Nobs” or “His Heels” or “His Nibs”).
   • The non-dealer begins the play by placing one card face up on the table.
4. Play:
5. • Players take turns laying down one card at a time, calling out the total value of all cards played so far.
   • Scoring during play:
   • • 15: Any combination making exactly 15 scores 2 points.
     • Pairs: Two cards of the same rank score 2 points. Three of a kind scores 6, four of a kind scores 12.
     • Runs: Three or more consecutive ranks (regardless of suit) score points (e.g., 3-4-5 scores 3 points, etc. runs do not need to be played in order, so long as they are not broken up by a go or another card. 10, Q, J for 3, for example).
     • Last Card: The player who plays the last card to reach 31 or the one who cannot play without going over 31 scores 1 point (“Go” or “One for the last”).
   • If the count reaches 31 or a player cannot play without exceeding 31, the count starts over at zero.
5. End of Play:
6. • After all cards are played, players score for combinations in their hand:
   • • Pairs: As in play.
     • Runs: As in play.
     • Fifteen: Any combination of cards adding up to 15 scores 2 points.
     • Flush: Four cards of the same suit score 4 points. If the start card matches the suit, it’s 5 points.
     • Nobs: Jack in hand of the same suit as the starter card scores 1 point.
   • The dealer scores the crib similarly, but remember, flushes in the crib need all five cards to score.
6. Pegging:
7. • Players move their pegs on the board to keep score. Each peg advances based on points scored.
7. Next Deal:
8. • The deal passes clockwise after each hand.

Winning:

• The first player to peg 121 points wins the game, which often involves going around the board one or more times.

Notes:

• Strategy: Knowing when to discard cards to the crib can be crucial. Generally, avoid giving the dealer strong scoring possibilities.
• When playing a series of games, players keep score for winning. Large wins of more than 30 (Skunk) or 60 (Double Skunk) also accumulate points.
• Cribbage is as much about strategy in discarding as it is in playing. Enjoy the blend of luck and skill this game offers!

See also: