Cribbage is easy to learn, but winning consistently takes strategy. The good news is that you don’t need advanced probability or memorized charts to improve. A few smart habits will dramatically increase your results — especially at the beginner level.
This guide covers simple, practical cribbage strategy for beginners, focusing on decisions you face in almost every game.
If you’re still learning the rules, start here first:
Focus on Pegging First
Many beginners focus only on their hand, but pegging wins games.
Pegging points are:
- Immediate
- Guaranteed
- Often underestimated
Even gaining 2–4 extra pegging points per hand adds up fast.
👉 Learn the rules: Cribbage Pegging Rules
👉 Practice tactics: Cribbage Pegging Strategy
Don’t Lead with 5s
This is the most important beginner rule.
- A 5 is the easiest way for your opponent to score 15 for 2
- Leading with a 5 almost always helps your opponent
If you must play a 5, try to:
- Pair it
- Or use it late in the count
Control the Pegging Count
Some totals are safer than others.
Safer totals:
- 4
- 14
- 24
Dangerous totals:
- 5
- 10
- 21
Leaving a dangerous total makes it easy for your opponent to score.
Learn When to Play High Cards
High cards (10, J, Q, K):
- Are harder to use during pegging
- Can trap you into a “Go”
Try to:
- Play low cards early
- Save high cards for later in the count
Discard Strategy: Dealer vs Non-Dealer
Discarding is one of the most strategic parts of cribbage.
👉 Full guide: Cribbage Discard Strategy
If You Are the Dealer:
- Your crib can score too
- Feeding your crib is often worth it
- Keep flexible hands that score well with many starters
If You Are NOT the Dealer:
- Your opponent scores the crib
- Avoid giving:
- 5s
- Pairs
- Connected cards (like 6–7)
Defensive discards matter more than a strong hand.
Value Consistency Over Big Hands
A single 20-point hand feels great, but it won’t win games by itself.
Strong players:
- Score steadily every hand
- Avoid zero-point pegging rounds
- Reduce opponent opportunities
👉 See high-value hands: Best Cribbage Hands
Count Your Hand Methodically
Many beginners lose points by miscounting.
Always count in this order:
- Fifteens
- Pairs
- Runs
- Flush
- Nobs
👉 Examples here: Cribbage Hands Explained
Watch Your Opponent’s Discards
Your opponent’s discards give clues:
- What they’re trying to keep
- Whether they’re setting up pegging traps
- Whether they’re playing defensively
Use this to adjust how aggressively you peg.
Know When to Play for “Go”
Forcing your opponent into a Go:
- Scores you a point
- Gives you control of the next lead
This is especially powerful late in the game.
Endgame Strategy (Very Important)
When scores are close:
- Pegging becomes even more important
- A single Go or pair can end the game
👉 Learn edge cases: Cribbage Endgame Rules
Never assume you’ll get to count your hand — the game can end during pegging.
Avoid These Common Beginner Mistakes
- Chasing runs during pegging
- Feeding the opponent’s crib
- Leading with 5s
- Forgetting pegging points
- Miscounting overlapping fifteens
👉 Full list: Common Cribbage Mistakes
Practice Smart, Not Just More
You improve fastest when you:
- Play slower games
- Focus on pegging decisions
- Review mistakes
👉 Practice online: Play Cribbage Online
👉 App options: Best Cribbage Apps
Quick Strategy Summary
- Pegging wins games
- Avoid leading with 5s
- Control the count
- Discard defensively when not dealer
- Count hands carefully
👉 One-page reference: Cribbage Cheat Sheet
Frequently Asked Questions
Still unsure whether a move is good or bad?