This cribbage FAQ answers the most common questions players have about rules, scoring, gameplay, and strategy. It’s designed for beginners who want quick, clear answers without reading full rule pages.
If you’re brand new to the game, start here:
What Is Cribbage?
Cribbage is a card game played with a standard 52-card deck and a cribbage board. Players score points by forming combinations during play (pegging) and by counting their hands and the crib.
👉 Full explanation: Cribbage Rules
How Many Players Can Play Cribbage?
- 2 players (most common)
- 3 players
- 4 players (usually in teams)
👉 Variations explained:
- Three-Player Cribbage
- Four-Player Cribbage
How Many Cards Are Dealt in Cribbage?
Each player is dealt 6 cards.
Each player then discards 2 cards into the crib, leaving 4 cards in hand.
👉 Learn why this matters: What Is the Crib in Cribbage?
What Is the Crib?
The crib is a separate hand made from the discarded cards. It is scored only by the dealer at the end of each round.
👉 Full guide: What Is the Crib in Cribbage?
What Is Pegging in Cribbage?
Pegging is the phase where players score points while playing cards, by making totals of 15 or 31, pairs, and runs.
👉 Step-by-step rules: Cribbage Pegging Rules
How Does Cribbage Scoring Work?
Points are scored in three ways:
- During pegging
- By counting your hand
- By counting the crib (dealer only)
👉 Full breakdown: Cribbage Scoring Explained
What Are the Most Common Ways to Score Points?
- Making 15 (2 points)
- Making 31 (2 points)
- Pairs and multiples
- Runs
- Flushes
- Nobs (Jack matching the starter suit)
👉 See examples: Cribbage Hands Explained
What Is the Highest Possible Cribbage Hand?
The highest possible hand scores 29 points.
👉 See why: Best Cribbage Hands
Can a Cribbage Game End Mid-Hand?
Yes. The game ends immediately when a player reaches 121 points, even if:
- Pegging is still happening
- The other player hasn’t counted their hand yet
👉 Edge cases explained: Cribbage Endgame Rules
What Are Skunk Rules in Cribbage?
A skunk usually means one player wins by a large margin (often 30 or more points). Some games apply extra penalties for being skunked.
👉 Details here: Skunk Rules in Cribbage
Is Cribbage Skill or Luck?
Cribbage involves both, but skill matters much more over time. Good players consistently win by making better pegging and discard decisions.
👉 Full discussion: Is Cribbage Skill or Luck?
What Is the Best Strategy for Beginners?
Beginners should focus on:
- Pegging points
- Avoiding bad discards
- Counting hands carefully
- Not leading with 5s
👉 Beginner guide: Cribbage Strategy for Beginners
What Is the Best Way to Discard Cards?
Discard strategy depends on whether you are the dealer.
- Dealer: Feed your crib
- Non-dealer: Discard defensively
👉 Full guide: Cribbage Discard Strategy
Do You Need a Cribbage Board?
A physical board is traditional, but not required. You can also:
- Play online
- Use apps
- Track score digitally
👉 Board explained: Cribbage Board Explained
Can You Play Cribbage Online?
Yes. Many apps and websites let you play cribbage online for free or against AI.
👉 Where to play: Play Cribbage Online
What Are the Best Cribbage Apps?
There are several good apps depending on whether you want casual play or serious practice.
👉 Comparison guide: Best Cribbage Apps
What Are Common Cribbage Mistakes?
Common mistakes include:
- Forgetting pegging points
- Feeding the opponent’s crib
- Miscounting hands
- Playing too fast
👉 Full list: Common Cribbage Mistakes
Is Cribbage Hard to Learn?
No. The rules are simple, but scoring takes practice. Most players become comfortable after a few games.
👉 Quick reference: Cribbage Cheat Sheet
Still Have Questions?
If you’re unsure about a rule or situation, check the full guides linked above — they cover every part of the game in detail.