This cribbage cheat sheet gives you everything you need at a glance — scoring rules, pegging points, hand values, and common reminders. It’s designed for beginners who want a fast reference while learning the game.
Use it during play, bookmark it, or print it for your next game night.
Quick Game Overview
- Players: 2 (most common), 3–4 also possible
- Goal: Be the first to reach 121 points
- Deck: Standard 52-card deck
- Scoring: Pegging + hand + crib (dealer only)
👉 Full walkthrough: How to Play Cribbage
Pegging Cheat Sheet (During Play)
Pegging happens while cards are played, with a running total up to 31.
👉 Full rules: Cribbage Pegging Rules
Pegging Points
| Action | Points |
|---|---|
| Make 15 | 2 |
| Make 31 | 2 |
| Pair | 2 |
| Three of a kind | 6 |
| Four of a kind | 12 |
| Run of 3 | 3 |
| Run of 4 | 4 |
| Run of 5 | 5 |
| “Go” | 1 |
| Last card (not 31) | 1 |
Card values:
A = 1 · 2–10 = face value · J/Q/K = 10
Hand Scoring Cheat Sheet (After Pegging)
Each hand = 4 cards + starter card.
👉 Examples here: Cribbage Hands Explained
Hand Scoring
| Combination | Points |
|---|---|
| Fifteen (any combo) | 2 |
| Pair | 2 |
| Three of a kind | 6 |
| Four of a kind | 12 |
| Run of 3 | 3 |
| Run of 4 | 4 |
| Run of 5 | 5 |
| 4-card flush (hand only) | 4 |
| 5-card flush (hand + starter) | 5 |
| Nobs (Jack matches starter suit) | 1 |
👉 Deep dive: Cribbage Scoring Explained
Crib Scoring Reminder (Dealer Only)
The crib is scored last by the dealer.
👉 Learn the crib: What Is the Crib in Cribbage?
Important crib rule:
- A flush scores only if all 5 cards (including the starter) are the same suit
Order of Scoring (Very Important)
- Pegging (during play)
- Non-dealer’s hand
- Dealer’s hand
- Dealer’s crib
The game ends immediately when a player reaches 121 points.
👉 Edge cases: Cribbage Endgame Rules
Board & Pegs Reminder
- Use two pegs per player
- Leapfrog pegs to track current and previous scores
- Move pegs as soon as you score
👉 Visual guide: Cribbage Board Explained
Common Beginner Mistakes (Quick Check)
- ❌ Forgetting overlapping fifteens
- ❌ Missing runs during pegging
- ❌ Scoring a 4-card crib flush
- ❌ Playing 5s too early in pegging
👉 Avoid these: Common Cribbage Mistakes
Best Quick Tips
- Avoid leading with 5s
- Control totals like 4, 14, 24 during pegging
- Count fifteens first when scoring hands
- Pegging points are guaranteed — hand points aren’t
👉 Beginner help: Cribbage Strategy for Beginners
Highest Possible Hands (At a Glance)
- 29 points – Perfect hand (four 5s + nobs)
- 28 points – Four 5s, no nobs
- 20–24 points – Strong double-run hands
👉 Full list: Best Cribbage Hands
Practice & Learn Faster
- Practice online without a board
- Learn scoring patterns faster
👉 Practice here: Play Cribbage Online
👉 App picks: Best Cribbage Apps
Frequently Asked Questions
Still unsure about a rule?