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Pegging is one of the most important parts of cribbage. It’s the phase where players score points while cards are being played, not just when hands are counted.

This page explains the official cribbage pegging rules, step by step, followed by practical strategy tips to help you score more points and avoid common mistakes.

If you’re new to cribbage, make sure you understand pegging — many games are decided here.

👉 For the full game flow: How to Play Cribbage

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What Is Pegging in Cribbage?

Pegging is the phase that happens after the starter card is revealed and before hands are counted.

Players take turns:

• Playing one card at a time
• Announcing a running total
• Scoring points when certain totals or patterns are created

The running total cannot exceed 31.

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When Pegging Starts

Pegging begins after:

1. Cards are dealt
2. Each player discards to the crib
3. The starter card is revealed

👉 Learn about the crib here: What Is the Crib in Cribbage?

The non-dealer always plays first during pegging.

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Pegging Rules: Basic Gameplay

• Players alternate turns playing one card at a time
• Each card’s value is added to the running total
• If playing a card would push the total over 31, you cannot play it

Card values during pegging:

• Aces = 1
• Number cards = face value
• Face cards (J, Q, K) = 10

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Pegging Points Explained

Points are scored immediately when a condition is met.

👉 Full scoring breakdown: Cribbage Scoring Explained

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Pegging Scoring at a Glance

Scoring Condition	Points
Running total reaches 15	2
Running total reaches 31	2
Pair (two consecutive same-rank cards)	2
Three of a kind (three consecutive same-rank)	6
Four of a kind (four consecutive same-rank)	12
Run of 3 (any order, consecutive play)	3
Run of 4	4
Run of 5	5
Go (opponent cannot play)	1
Last card (if no 31)	1

Points are scored immediately when the condition is met. The same play can score multiple points at once — for example, reaching 15 with a card that also completes a pair scores 4 points total.

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Pegging: Making 15

• Reaching a total of exactly 15 = 2 points

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Pegging: Making 31

• Reaching a total of exactly 31 = 2 points
• The count then resets to zero

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Pegging: Pairs and Multiples

If the last cards played are the same rank:

• Pair = 2 points
• Three of a kind = 6 points
• Four of a kind = 12 points

These cards must be played consecutively.

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Pegging: Runs

A run is a sequence of 3 or more cards in order, regardless of suit.

Examples:

• 5–6–7 = 3 points
• 9–10–J–Q = 4 points

Runs are based on the order of play, not the order in your hand.

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“Go” and Last Card Rules

If a player cannot play without exceeding 31:

• They say “Go”
• The opponent scores 1 point

After a “Go”:

• The player who played the last card may score 1 additional point
• The count resets, and pegging continues

⚠️ If the last card played makes exactly 31, the 2 points for 31 replace the Go point.

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Pegging Example (Full Sequence)

Here’s a complete pegging sequence between two players to show how points are scored in practice.

Player A’s hand: 6, 7, 9, K Player B’s hand: 5, 8, 9, Q

Play	Running Total	Points Scored	Why
A plays 6	6	0	Nothing yet
B plays 9	15	2 pts to B	Total hits 15
A plays 7	22	0	No scoring condition
B plays 8	30	3 pts to B	Run of 3: 7–8–9 (order of play)
A plays K	Would = 40	—	Over 31, A says “Go”
B plays Q	Would = 40	—	Also over 31, B says “Go”
A scores	—	1 pt to A	Last card before reset
Count resets to 0
A plays 9	9	0	Nothing yet
B plays 9	18	2 pts to B	Pair of 9s
A plays K	28	0	No condition
B plays Q	38	—	Over 31, B says “Go”
A scores	—	1 pt to A	Last card

Key things this example shows:

• Runs are based on the order cards were played, not their face value order — 6, 9, 7, 8 created a run of 7–8–9
• A “Go” and “last card” are separate from 31 — they apply when no one can play without busting
• The count resets after a Go and play continues with remaining cards
• Two separate counts can happen in the same pegging phase

👉 Now that you understand pegging, learn how to do it well: Cribbage Pegging Strategy

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End of Pegging

Pegging ends when:

• All cards have been played
• The final count does not exceed 31

Hands are then scored in this order:

1. Non-dealer’s hand
2. Dealer’s hand
3. Dealer’s crib

👉 Learn what happens next: Cribbage Endgame Rules

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Common Pegging Mistakes

Beginners often:

• Miss runs formed by card order
• Forget to score pairs immediately
• Score a Go incorrectly
• Play high cards too early

👉 See more: Common Cribbage Mistakes

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Cribbage Pegging Strategy (Practical Tips)

Once you understand the rules, pegging becomes a strategic battle. Small decisions can swing games.

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Avoid Leading with 5s

Leading with a 5 allows your opponent to easily score 15 for 2.

Whenever possible, save 5s for later.

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Control the Count

Strong pegging positions include:

• Totals of 4, 14, and 24
• Avoid leaving totals of 5, 10, or 21

These numbers reduce your opponent’s scoring options.

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Pair Awareness

If you lead with a card:

• Be aware of how easily your opponent can pair it
• Low cards are safer early

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Use “Go” to Your Advantage

Sometimes forcing your opponent into a Go:

• Scores you a point
• Gives you control of the next lead

This matters more than it seems.

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Don’t Chase Runs Blindly

Runs during pegging are opportunistic.
Trying to force them often gives away easy points.

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Pegging vs Hand Value

Sometimes the best pegging move weakens your hand — that’s fine.

Pegging points are guaranteed. Hand points are not.

👉 Discard decisions matter here: Cribbage Discard Strategy

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Practice Pegging

The fastest way to improve pegging is repetition.

👉 Practice here: Play Cribbage Online
👉 App options: Best Cribbage Apps

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Quick Reference

Need a fast reminder?

👉 Cribbage Cheat Sheet

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Frequently Asked Questions

Still unsure about a pegging situation?

👉 Cribbage FAQ