This cribbage cheat sheet summarizes the most important cribbage rules in one place — scoring combinations, pegging points, and quick reminders you can use during play. It’s designed for beginners who want a fast reference while learning the game.
If you want a printable version you can keep beside the board, download the cheat sheet below.
Cribbage Rules, Scoring & Pegging — Printable PDF Guide
This printable cribbage guide gives you the rules, scoring chart, and quick reminders in one simple reference you can use while playing.
No more guessing how points work.
Printable PDF • Instant download • Beginner-friendly
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
Cribbage Rules, Scoring & Pegging — Printable PDF Guide
This printable cribbage guide gives you the rules, scoring chart, and quick reminders in one simple reference you can use while playing.
No more guessing how points work.
Printable PDF • Instant download • Beginner-friendly
👉 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?