Cribbage games do not always end neatly at the end of a hand. Because points are scored throughout play, a game can finish suddenly — even in the middle of pegging.
This page explains the official cribbage endgame rules, including when the game ends, when scoring stops, and how final points are counted.
For a full overview of the game, start here:
When Does a Cribbage Game End?
A cribbage game ends immediately when a player reaches 121 points.
- The game stops the moment a peg reaches 121
- No further cards are played
- No additional hands or crib scoring occur
It does not matter whose turn it is.
Can the Game End During Pegging?
Yes. This is very common.
If a player reaches 121 points:
- While scoring a 15
- While scoring a 31
- By making a pair or run
- By scoring a Go or last card
The game ends immediately, even if cards remain to be played.
👉 Learn pegging rules: Cribbage Pegging Rules
🃏 Free Printable
Free Cribbage Cheat Sheet (Printable)
New to cribbage? Download this free printable and keep it beside you while you play — covers scoring combinations, pegging examples, round order, and common beginner mistakes.
Instant PDF • Printable • Beginner friendly
Can the Game End Before Hands Are Counted?
Yes.
If a player reaches 121 during pegging:
- The opponent does not score their hand
- The dealer does not score the crib
Any remaining scoring opportunities are ignored.
What If Both Players Would Reach 121?
This cannot happen.
Cribbage scoring is sequential:
- Points are scored one event at a time
- The first player to reach 121 wins
- The game stops instantly
Can the Non-Dealer Win Before the Dealer Scores?
Yes — and this happens often.
If the non-dealer reaches 121:
- During pegging, or
- While counting their hand
The dealer does not get to score:
- Their hand
- The crib
This is why pegging and hand order matter.
👉 Scoring order explained: Cribbage Scoring Explained
Worked Endgame Scenario
Here’s a concrete example showing how quickly a game can end — and why scoring order matters so much in the final hands.
Situation:
- Player A (non-dealer): 118 points
- Player B (dealer): 116 points
- Pegging has just begun
Player A leads a 7 (count = 7) Player B plays an 8 (count = 15) — Player B scores 2 points → now at 118
Player A plays a 6 (count = 21) — no score Player B plays a 7 (count = 28) — run of 3 (6–7–8) → Player B scores 3 points → now at 121
Game over. Player B wins — even though Player A led first and was ahead on the board.
Now imagine the same situation but Player A plays differently:
Player A leads a 7 (count = 7) Player B plays an 8 (count = 15) — Player B scores 2 → now at 118
Player A plays a 9 (count = 24) — run of 3 (7–8–9) → Player A scores 3 points → now at 121
Game over. Player A wins — by recognising the run opportunity before Player B could extend it.
What this example shows:
- A 3-point pegging score can end the game before the dealer ever counts their hand or crib
- Both players were within striking distance — the player who spotted the scoring opportunity first won
- Never assume you’ll get to count your hand when scores are close — treat every pegging card as potentially the last play of the game
Endgame and Skunk Rules
Skunk rules are applied after the game ends.
- A skunk does not end the game early
- It is determined only once a player reaches 121
👉 Learn how skunks work: Skunk Rules in Cribbage
Endgame Strategy — How to Play When Scores Are Close
The final few hands of a close cribbage game require a completely different mindset. Here’s how to adjust.
When you are close to 121 and pegging: Treat every card as potentially your last play. A pair, a 15, or a Go point could end the game before you even count your hand. Don’t save cards for hand scoring — play aggressively during pegging and take every point available.
When your opponent is close to 121 and you are behind: You need to peg out before they do, or score enough in your hand to overtake them. Play aggressively even at the cost of giving them opportunities — playing passively when you’re behind guarantees a loss. Take calculated risks and look for runs and pairs during pegging.
When you are the non-dealer and both players are close: This is your biggest advantage. The scoring order runs non-dealer hand → dealer hand → dealer crib. If you can reach 121 during pegging or hand counting, the game ends before the dealer scores anything. Use this aggressively — peg for every point and count your hand carefully before the dealer gets their turn.
When you are the dealer and both players are close: Be aware that the non-dealer scores before you in every phase. If they are within striking distance, they may reach 121 before you count your hand or crib. Peg aggressively to try to end the game during pegging — don’t rely on your crib to save you if the non-dealer can reach 121 first.
Always watch the board. In the final hands, glance at both pegs before every pegging decision. Know exactly how many points each player needs. A 2-point fifteen that wins the game is worth infinitely more than a defensive play that lets your opponent peg out first.
👉 General strategy: Cribbage Strategy for Beginners
Common Endgame Mistakes
Beginners often:
- Assume both hands will be scored
- Forget the game can end mid-hand
- Continue playing after 121 is reached
- Apply skunk rules incorrectly
👉 Avoid errors: Common Cribbage Mistakes
What Happens After the Game Ends
Once a player reaches 121 and the game is over:
Apply skunk rules if agreed. Check whether the losing player crossed the skunk line at 91 points or the double skunk line at 61 points. If they didn’t, apply whatever penalty was agreed before the game started.
👉 Full skunk rules: Skunk Rules in Cribbage
In casual play — the loser typically deals first in the next game, though this varies by house rules.
In match play — the winner scores their game points toward the match total. Match formats vary widely, from best-of-three to points-based systems. Agree on the match format before you start.
In money games — the stake is settled based on the result and any skunk multipliers. Always agree on stakes and skunk penalties before the first card is dealt.
Quick Summary
- The game ends at 121 points
- Scoring stops immediately
- Games can end mid-pegging
- Remaining hands or crib are not scored
- Skunk rules are applied afterward
👉 One-page reference: Cribbage Cheat Sheet
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the game end before the crib is counted?
Yes. If any player reaches 121 during pegging or hand counting, the game ends immediately. The dealer does not score their crib if the game has already ended.
Does the dealer always get to count the crib?
No. Only if the game has not already ended before the crib is scored. This is one of the most important strategic reasons why non-dealers should peg aggressively — reaching 121 before the dealer counts their crib can swing a close game.
Can players finish the hand for fun after someone reaches 121?
Yes, but it has no effect on the official result. The game ended the moment 121 was reached.
What if I forget to peg a point that would have won the game?
In casual play this is usually handled by going back and correcting the score. In competitive play with muggins rules in effect, a missed point that would have won the game is a significant error — your opponent may claim it. Always peg immediately when you score.
Does scoring order matter at the end of the game?
Yes, enormously. Non-dealer scores their hand before the dealer in every round. If both players could reach 121 from their hands, the non-dealer wins because they score first. This is why being the non-dealer in the final hand is a significant advantage when scores are close.
What happens in match play when someone reaches 121?
The game is over and the winner scores their match points — typically 1 point per game won, with additional points for a skunk or double skunk if those rules are in use. The match continues until one player reaches the agreed match total, usually 3, 5, or 7 game wins.
What if a player pegs past 121 by mistake?
The peg should be placed at 121 exactly and the game ends. You cannot score beyond 121 — the game stops the moment that hole is reached regardless of how many points the scoring play was worth.
👉 More answers: Cribbage FAQ