Cribbage scoring is what makes the game unique — and confusing at first. Unlike most card games, points in cribbage are scored during play, after each hand, and from the crib.
This guide explains exactly how cribbage scoring works, step by step, with clear examples and no shortcuts.
If you’re new, read this page from top to bottom. If you’re checking a specific rule, jump to the section you need.
How Points Are Scored in Cribbage
Points in cribbage are earned in three main ways:
- During pegging (while cards are played)
- By counting your hand
- By counting the crib (dealer only)
The goal is to be the first player to reach 121 points.
👉 Full game flow here: How to Play Cribbage
Scoring During Pegging
Pegging happens immediately after the starter card is revealed. Players take turns playing one card at a time, keeping a running total that cannot exceed 31.
Points can be scored during this phase, before hands are even counted.
👉 Pegging rules in detail: Cribbage Pegging Rules
Pegging: Making 15 or 31
- Reaching exactly 15 = 2 points
- Reaching exactly 31 = 2 points
Pegging: Pairs and Multiples
- Pair (2 of a kind) = 2 points
- Three of a kind = 6 points
- Four of a kind = 12 points
These points are scored immediately when the cards are played consecutively.
Pegging: Runs
A run is a sequence of 3 or more cards in order, regardless of suit.
Examples:
- 4–5–6 = 3 points
- 7–8–9–10 = 4 points
Order of play matters — the cards must form the run during pegging.
“Go” and Last Card
- If a player cannot play without exceeding 31, they say “Go”
- The opponent scores 1 point
- The player who plays the last card before a reset may also score 1 point
👉 Strategy tips here: Cribbage Pegging Strategy
Scoring Your Hand
After pegging ends, players score their hands.
Each hand consists of:
- 4 cards in hand
- + the starter card
Hands are scored after pegging, not during play.
👉 See examples: Cribbage Hand Examples
Ways to Score Points in a Hand
All hand scoring is based on combinations of cards.
Fifteens (15)
Any combination of cards totaling 15 scores 2 points.
Face cards count as 10.
Aces count as 1.
There can be multiple fifteens in a single hand.
Pairs
- Pair = 2 points
- Three of a kind = 6 points
- Four of a kind = 12 points
Pairs can overlap with fifteens and runs.
Runs
A run is 3 or more cards in sequence.
Examples:
- 3–4–5 = 3 points
- 6–7–8–9 = 4 points
Duplicate cards can create multiple runs, increasing the score.
Flushes
- 4-card flush (all hand cards same suit) = 4 points
- 5-card flush (hand + starter) = 5 points
⚠️ Flush rules are stricter in the crib (see below).
Nobs
- A Jack in your hand that matches the starter card’s suit
- Scores 1 point
This is called nobs.
Scoring the Crib
Only the dealer scores the crib.
The crib is scored after both players score their hands, using the same scoring rules — with one exception.
👉 Learn how the crib works: What Is the Crib in Cribbage?
Crib Flush Rule (Important)
- A crib flush scores only if all 5 cards (including starter) are the same suit
- A 4-card flush does not score in the crib
This is one of the most common beginner mistakes.
Starter Card Bonus (His Heels)
If the starter card is a Jack, the dealer immediately scores 2 points before pegging begins.
This is called his heels.
When Scoring Happens
Order matters in cribbage scoring:
- Pegging points are scored during play
- Non-dealer scores their hand
- Dealer scores their hand
- Dealer scores the crib
The game ends immediately when a player reaches 121 points — even mid-hand.
👉 Edge cases explained: Cribbage Endgame Rules
Highest Possible Cribbage Scores
Some hands score much higher than others.
👉 See the maximum hands: Best Cribbage Hands
Common Scoring Mistakes
Beginners often:
- Miss overlapping fifteens
- Forget nobs
- Score crib flushes incorrectly
- Count runs incorrectly during pegging
👉 Avoid these errors: Common Cribbage Mistakes
Quick Reference
If you want a fast overview without explanations:
Practice Scoring Cribbage
The best way to learn scoring is repetition. Playing online or using apps can help you recognize patterns faster.
👉 Practice here: Play Cribbage Online
👉 App options: Best Cribbage Apps
Frequently Asked Questions
Still unsure about a scoring edge case?