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 guide explains how to play four-player cribbage, including team setup, dealing rules, and scoring in partnership games.
For the standard version of the game, start here:
How Four-Player Cribbage Differs from Two-Player
| Rule | Two-Player | Four-Player |
|---|---|---|
| Players | 2 (individual) | 4 (2 teams of 2) |
| Cards dealt | 6 per player | 5 per player |
| Discards to crib | 2 per player | 1 per player |
| Crib owner | Dealer | Dealer’s team |
| Scores | Individual | Shared per team |
| Seating | Opposite | Partners opposite each other |
| Winning score | 121 points | 121 points (team total) |
| Pegging order | Back and forth | Clockwise |
The core scoring rules — fifteens, pairs, runs, flushes, nobs — are identical in both versions. The main difference is that all points scored by a player go toward their team’s total, not their own.
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
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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 in Four-Player Cribbage
Four-player cribbage introduces a team dynamic that changes how you should think about every decision — even though you can’t communicate with your partner.
You can’t talk to your partner, but you can play predictably. Since direct communication is not allowed, the best teams develop a shared understanding of how to play certain situations consistently. For example, always leading with the same card type in certain counts, or always discarding conservatively to the opponent’s crib. Consistency is how partners coordinate without words.
Discarding to the crib is a team decision. In two-player cribbage, non-dealers try to avoid giving the dealer useful cards. In four-player, both non-dealer players feed the opponent’s crib — so two players are potentially gifting the dealer’s team strong combinations. Be conservative: avoid discarding cards that form easy fifteens or pairs together.
Your partner’s hand is invisible — plan around it. During pegging, you don’t know what your partner holds. Don’t assume they’ll complete a run or pair you’ve started. Play each pegging decision as if you’re acting alone, focusing on defensive moves that limit what the opposing team can score.
Scoring order can win or lose the game. In four-player cribbage, hands are scored in clockwise order starting with the player to the dealer’s left. If a non-dealer player reaches 121 during hand scoring, the game ends immediately — even if the dealer’s team would have scored more from their crib. Be aware of where both teams stand on the board before the scoring round begins.
Consistency beats brilliance. In team play, one player throwing away a strong crib card or missing a pegging opportunity hurts both teammates. Mistake-free, steady play wins more games than chasing big hands.
👉 General strategy tips: 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)
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