Cribbage can be played with four players using a team format, where players compete in pairs instead of individually. While the core rules of cribbage remain the same, four-player games introduce team scoring and a few important gameplay differences.
This page explains how to play four-player cribbage correctly, including dealing, team setup, and scoring rules.
For the standard version of the game, start here:
Can You Play Cribbage with Four Players?
Yes. Four-player cribbage is a very common variation and is typically played as a partnership game.
- Players form two teams of two
- Teammates sit opposite each other
- Partners share a single score
- The goal is still to reach 121 points first
Team Setup & Seating
Correct seating is important in four-player cribbage.
- Partners sit directly across from each other
- Play proceeds clockwise
- Teammates do not combine hands, only scores
Each player still plays their own hand during pegging and hand scoring.
Dealing in Four-Player Cribbage
Dealing differs slightly from two-player cribbage.
How many cards are dealt?
- Each player is dealt 5 cards
- Cards are dealt one at a time, clockwise
This results in 20 cards dealt total.
👉 Standard dealing overview: Cribbage Dealing Rules
Forming the Crib
After the deal:
- Each player discards 1 card
- The four discarded cards form the crib
- The crib belongs to the dealer’s team
Only the dealer’s team scores the crib.
👉 Learn more: What Is the Crib in Cribbage?
Cutting the Starter Card
After discards:
- The player to the dealer’s left cuts the deck
- The top card is revealed as the starter card
His Heels rule:
- If the starter card is a Jack, the dealer’s team scores 2 points
👉 Scoring explained: Cribbage Scoring Explained
Pegging Rules in Four-Player Cribbage
Pegging follows standard rules, but with four players:
- Players take turns clockwise
- Each player plays one card at a time
- The running total cannot exceed 31
All pegging scores apply:
- 15s
- 31s
- Pairs and multiples
- Runs
- Go and last card
Pegging points are added to the team score.
👉 Pegging rules: Cribbage Pegging Rules
Hand & Crib Scoring (Team Play)
After pegging:
- Each non-dealer player scores their hand (in order)
- The dealer scores their hand
- The dealer’s team scores the crib
Each hand consists of:
- 4 cards
- + the starter card
All points scored by a player are added to their team’s total.
👉 Hand examples: Cribbage Hands Explained
Board Setup for Four Players
Most boards used for four-player cribbage:
- Have four tracks, or
- Use shared tracks with different peg colors
Each team still uses two pegs, leapfrogging as usual.
👉 Visual explanation: Cribbage Board Explained
Strategy Notes (Brief)
Four-player cribbage plays differently from two-player games:
- Pegging is less predictable
- Communication between partners is not allowed
- Defensive discards matter more
- Cribs tend to be less explosive
Consistency and mistake-free play are more important than chasing big hands.
👉 Beginner strategy: Cribbage Strategy for Beginners
Common Four-Player Cribbage Mistakes
- Sitting next to your partner
- Forgetting that scores are shared
- Combining hands instead of scores
- Letting the wrong team score the crib
- Playing as if it were individual competition
👉 Avoid errors: Common Cribbage Mistakes
Quick Summary
- Players: 4 (2 teams of 2)
- Cards dealt: 5 per player
- Discards: 1 per player
- Crib owner: Dealer’s team
- Goal: 121 points (team score)
👉 One-page reference: Cribbage Cheat Sheet
Frequently Asked Questions
Is four-player cribbage official?
Yes. Team cribbage is a standard and widely played variation.
Do teammates share a hand?
No. Each player keeps and scores their own hand, but points are added to the team total.
Can four players play without teams?
It’s uncommon. Four-player cribbage is almost always played as partnerships.
👉 More answers: Cribbage FAQ