Our verdict: the friendliest cribbage app for casual play. Cribbage JD has big, easy-to-read cards, automatic scoring with a full breakdown, four computer levels and offline play. It’s free, with ads and optional in-app purchases.
Best for: casual players and grandparents who want a clear, simple game on their phone or tablet.
What Is Cribbage JD?
Cribbage JD is a free cribbage app from JD Software. It’s available on iPhone and iPad, Android, Windows and as a game on Facebook. You can play the computer, or go online and play other people.
On the UK App Store it holds an average rating of 4.7 from 1,640 reviews, which makes it one of the best-rated cribbage apps around.
Rules and Scoring
Cribbage JD plays classic two-player cribbage to 121, with the cribbage board on screen. All scoring is automatic: after each hand, the app shows a breakdown of where every point came from. That makes it easy to follow, and it’s a quick way to check your own counting. The rules are also built into the app for reference.
Because scoring is automatic, there’s no muggins: you can’t miss points, and neither can your opponent. To check how a hand should be counted, see our Cribbage Scoring Explained guide.
Four Computer Levels
You can play the computer at four levels: Easy, Medium, Hard and Crazy Ninja. Easy suits beginners finding their feet; Crazy Ninja is there for experienced players who want a real fight.
Online or Offline
Cribbage JD works both ways. Online, you play other people. Offline, you play the computer, so it’s a good companion for flights, cabins or anywhere without a signal.
Statistics
The app tracks your hand, crib and pegging averages, your best scores and your lifetime point totals. It also has achievements to unlock as you play.
The Interface
The big cards are Cribbage JD’s signature: the developer designed them so older players have no trouble reading them. It plays in portrait or landscape, and you can upload your own avatar.
Is Cribbage JD Free?
Yes. It’s free to download and play, with ads and optional in-app purchases.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Free on iPhone, iPad, Android and Windows
- Large, easy-to-read cards
- Four computer levels, up to Crazy Ninja
- Plays offline
- Automatic scoring with a point-by-point breakdown
- Detailed statistics and achievements
Cons
- Shows ads
- Two-player cribbage only
- No muggins or manual counting
- No ranked play or leaderboards like Cribbage Pro’s
Who Should Play Cribbage JD?
It’s the best pick for casual players who want a clear, comfortable game, especially on a tablet. The large cards and offline play make it a good choice for older players.
If you want ranked play or muggins, choose Cribbage Pro instead.
Where to Download Cribbage JD
Alternatives to Cribbage JD
- Cribbage Pro: the strongest app for competitive online play and muggins. Read our Cribbage Pro Review.
- Cribbage by Fiogonia Games: a polished solo app with hints and endgame analysis.
- Tableza: our top pick overall, on desktop or mobile with no download. Read our Tableza Review.
See every app compared in our Best Cribbage Apps guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cribbage JD free?
Yes. It’s free to download and play, with ads and optional in-app purchases.
Can I play Cribbage JD offline?
Yes. You can play the computer without an internet connection.
Can I play Cribbage JD against other people?
Yes. The app has an online mode where you play other players.
What is Crazy Ninja mode?
It’s the hardest of the app’s four computer levels, above Easy, Medium and Hard.
Is Cribbage JD good for seniors?
Yes. The large cards were designed for easy reading, and automatic scoring takes the arithmetic off your hands.
