Cribbage is easy to learn, but many beginners make the same mistakes over and over — often without realizing it. These small errors can cost dozens of points over a single game, even if your hands look decent.
This guide breaks down the most common cribbage mistakes, explains why they happen, and shows you how to avoid them.
If you’re brand new, start with the basics first:
Mistake #1: Forgetting Pegging Points
Many beginners focus almost entirely on their hand and ignore pegging.
Pegging points are:
- Immediate
- Guaranteed
- Often the difference between winning and losing
Ignoring pegging can cost you 5–10 points per game.
👉 Learn how pegging works: Cribbage Pegging Rules
👉 Improve quickly: Cribbage Pegging Strategy
Mistake #2: Leading with a 5
This is the most famous beginner mistake.
Leading with a 5 almost always gives your opponent:
- An easy 15 for 2
- Control of the count
Unless you have a very specific reason, don’t lead with a 5.
👉 Why 5s are dangerous: Cribbage Scoring Explained
Mistake #3: Miscounting Hands
Beginners often:
- Miss overlapping fifteens
- Forget nobs
- Count runs incorrectly
This leads to lost points — and sometimes arguments.
Always count in this order:
- Fifteens
- Pairs
- Runs
- Flush
- Nobs
👉 See examples: Cribbage Hands Explained
Mistake #4: Feeding the Opponent’s Crib
Discarding without thinking is a big leak.
Common bad discards:
- 5s
- Pairs
- Connected cards (like 6–7)
- Two cards totaling 15
If you’re not the dealer, every good crib discard helps your opponent.
👉 Learn proper discards: Cribbage Discard Strategy
👉 What the crib really is: What Is the Crib in Cribbage?
Mistake #5: Chasing Big Hands Instead of Consistency
A single big hand feels great — but it doesn’t win games by itself.
Winning players:
- Score steadily
- Peg consistently
- Avoid zero-point rounds
👉 See what great hands look like: Best Cribbage Hands
Mistake #6: Forgetting the Game Can End Mid-Hand
Cribbage doesn’t always end neatly.
The game ends immediately when a player reaches 121 points — even:
- During pegging
- Before the other player counts their hand
Many beginners plan points they’ll never get to score.
👉 Learn endgame rules: Cribbage Endgame Rules
Mistake #7: Misusing the Cribbage Board
Board mistakes are more common than you’d think:
- Moving both pegs at once
- Losing track of the “front” peg
- Forgetting to peg immediately
These errors can change the outcome of a game.
👉 Visual guide: Cribbage Board Explained
Mistake #8: Ignoring the “Go” Strategy
A “Go” isn’t just a formality.
Forcing your opponent into a Go:
- Scores you a point
- Gives you control of the next lead
Late-game Go points often decide matches.
👉 Learn when it matters: Cribbage Strategy for Beginners
Mistake #9: Playing Too Fast
Speed hides mistakes.
Slowing down helps you:
- Count hands correctly
- Spot pegging opportunities
- Avoid feeding the crib
Cribbage rewards attention, not speed.
Mistake #10: Not Practicing with Feedback
Playing casually is fine — but improvement comes faster when you:
- Review mistakes
- Use apps or online play
- Focus on one skill at a time
👉 Practice online: Play Cribbage Online
👉 App options: Best Cribbage Apps
Quick Mistake Checklist
Before every hand, ask yourself:
- Am I about to lead a 5?
- Who owns the crib?
- Can I score during pegging?
- Did I count everything?
👉 One-page reminder: Cribbage Cheat Sheet
Frequently Asked Questions
Still unsure if a move was a mistake?