Pegging is where many cribbage games are won or lost. While hands and the crib matter, pegging points are immediate and guaranteed, and strong players consistently outscore beginners during this phase.
This guide focuses only on cribbage pegging strategy — how to score more points during play, avoid traps, and control the count.
If you’re not fully comfortable with pegging rules, read this first:
Why Pegging Strategy Matters
A typical beginner:
- Focuses mostly on hand value
- Misses pegging opportunities
- Gives away easy points
A stronger player:
- Controls the count
- Forces “Go” points
- Avoids feeding pairs and runs
Over a full game, good pegging can add 10–20 extra points.
👉 Beginner overview: Cribbage Strategy for Beginners
Avoid Leading with 5s
This is the single most important pegging rule.
- Leading with a 5 almost guarantees your opponent can score 15 for 2
- Even mid-count, a 5 is often dangerous
Rule of thumb:
Avoid playing a 5 unless it:
- Scores immediately
- Prevents worse damage
👉 Why 5s are powerful: Cribbage Scoring Explained
Control the Count
Some totals are much safer than others.
Safer totals to leave:
- 4
- 14
- 24
Dangerous totals to leave:
- 5
- 10
- 21
Leaving a dangerous total makes it easy for your opponent to score.
Play Low Cards Early
Low cards give you flexibility.
Benefits:
- More pegging options
- Better control of the count
- Fewer forced “Go” situations
High cards (10, J, Q, K):
- Are harder to play early
- Can trap you late in the count
Try to lead low, especially early in pegging.
Pair Awareness (Don’t Feed Easy Points)
When you lead a card, always ask:
“How likely is my opponent to pair this?”
Leading a card that’s easy to pair can cost you:
- 2 points (pair)
- Or worse (three- or four-of-a-kind)
Low, odd-value cards are usually safer leads.
Use the “Go” Strategically
A “Go” is not just a formality.
Forcing your opponent to say Go:
- Scores you 1 point
- Often gives you the next lead
- Can swing close games
Late-game Go points are especially valuable.
👉 Common mistakes here: Common Cribbage Mistakes
Don’t Chase Runs Blindly
Runs during pegging are opportunistic, not forced.
Chasing a run often:
- Opens the door to pairs
- Gives away 15s
- Loses control of the count
Score runs when they appear naturally, not by forcing them.
Pegging vs Hand Value
Sometimes the best pegging play slightly weakens your hand.
That’s okay.
- Pegging points are guaranteed
- Hand points are potential
In close games, immediate points matter more.
👉 Hand value explained: Cribbage Hands Explained
Adjust Strategy Based on Dealer Status
As the Dealer:
- You already have crib potential
- Slightly safer pegging may be acceptable
As the Non-Dealer:
- Pegging becomes more important
- Extra Go or pair points can offset crib disadvantage
👉 Crib dynamics: What Is the Crib in Cribbage?
Endgame Pegging Strategy
When scores are close:
- Pegging can end the game instantly
- Don’t assume you’ll count your hand
Always be aware of:
- Your current score
- Your opponent’s score
👉 Learn when games end: Cribbage Endgame Rules
Common Pegging Traps to Avoid
- Leading with a 5
- Leaving totals of 10 or 21
- Feeding easy pairs
- Playing too fast
- Ignoring Go opportunities
👉 Full mistake list: Common Cribbage Mistakes
Simple Pegging Strategy Checklist
Before playing a card, ask:
- Does this give my opponent 15?
- Can this be paired easily?
- Am I controlling the count?
- Can I force a Go next?
If the answer looks bad — choose another card.
Practice Pegging Effectively
Pegging improves fastest with repetition.
👉 Practice online: Play Cribbage Online
👉 App options: Best Cribbage Apps
Quick Reference
Want a fast reminder during games?
Frequently Asked Questions
Unsure whether a pegging move was good or bad?