Cribbage is a traditional card game played with a standard 52-card deck and a cribbage board. While the game includes several unique elements — such as pegging and the crib — the rules themselves are straightforward once broken down clearly.
This page explains the official cribbage rules, serving as a clear reference for beginners and casual players who want to understand how the game works without strategy or advanced theory.
If you’re looking for a step-by-step walkthrough, start here instead:
Basic Cribbage Rules Overview
- Players: 2 (standard), 3–4 possible
- Goal: Be the first player to reach 121 points
- Deck: Standard 52-card deck
- Scoring: Pegging + hand scoring + crib (dealer only)
Points are tracked using a cribbage board and pegs.
👉 Learn the board: Cribbage Board Explained
Dealing Rules
Each hand begins with dealing:
- Each player is dealt 6 cards
- Each player discards 2 cards into the crib
- The crib belongs to the dealer
The dealer alternates every hand.
👉 Full details: Cribbage Dealing Rules
Cutting for Deal
Before the first hand:
- Players cut the deck
- The lowest card becomes the dealer
- Aces are low
👉 Explained here: Cutting for Deal in Cribbage
The Crib
The crib is a separate hand made from discarded cards.
- Only the dealer scores the crib
- The crib is scored after both hands
- Flush rules are stricter in the crib
👉 Full explanation: What Is the Crib in Cribbage?
The Starter Card
After discards:
- The non-dealer cuts the deck
- The top card is revealed as the starter
Special rule:
- If the starter is a Jack, the dealer scores 2 points immediately (his heels)
Pegging Rules
Pegging is the phase where players score points while playing cards.
- Players alternate playing one card at a time
- A running total is kept
- The total cannot exceed 31
Pegging scores include:
- 15 = 2 points
- 31 = 2 points
- Pairs and multiples
- Runs
- “Go” and last card
👉 Full rules: Cribbage Pegging Rules
Hand Scoring Rules
After pegging ends, hands are scored.
Each hand includes:
- 4 cards in hand
- + the starter card
Hands are scored for:
- Fifteens
- Pairs and multiples
- Runs
- Flushes
- Nobs
👉 Detailed scoring: Cribbage Scoring Explained
👉 Examples: Cribbage Hands Explained
Scoring the Crib
- Only the dealer scores the crib
- Same scoring rules apply except flushes
⚠️ A crib flush scores only if all 5 cards match suit.
Order of Scoring
Scoring always happens in this order:
- Pegging (during play)
- Non-dealer’s hand
- Dealer’s hand
- Dealer’s crib
The game ends immediately when a player reaches 121 points.
👉 Edge cases: Cribbage Endgame Rules
Skunk Rules (Optional)
Some games use skunk rules:
- Winning by a large margin (often 30+ points)
- Extra penalties may apply
Skunk rules are optional and vary by group.
👉 Learn more: Skunk Rules in Cribbage
Player Variations
While two-player cribbage is standard, other formats exist:
- Three-Player Cribbage
- Four-Player Cribbage
The core rules remain the same, with small changes in dealing and scoring.
Common Rule Mistakes
Players often:
- Score a 4-card crib flush incorrectly
- Miss pegging points
- Miscount overlapping fifteens
- Forget the game can end mid-hand
👉 Avoid errors: Common Cribbage Mistakes
Quick Reference
For a fast summary of rules and scoring:
Practice the Rules
Practicing online can help reinforce correct rules and scoring.
👉 Practice here: Play Cribbage Online
👉 App options: Best Cribbage Apps
Frequently Asked Questions
For short answers to common rule questions: