Three-Player Cribbage Rules (How to Play with 3 Players)

Cribbage is most commonly played with two players, but it can also be played with three players using a slightly modified set of rules. The core mechanics remain the same, with a few important differences in dealing, the crib, and gameplay flow.

This page explains the official rules for three-player cribbage, so you can play correctly without confusion.

For the standard version of the game, start here:

👉 How to Play Cribbage

Can You Play Cribbage with Three Players?

Yes. Three-player cribbage is a well-established variation and is commonly played in casual and club settings.

  • All players compete individually
  • There are no teams
  • The goal is still to reach 121 points first

Dealing in Three-Player Cribbage

Dealing is the main difference compared to 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 15 cards dealt, leaving the rest of the deck unused for the deal.

👉 Standard dealing rules: Cribbage Dealing Rules

Forming the Crib (Important Difference)

After the deal:

  • Each player discards 1 card
  • The dealer places 1 additional card into the crib

This creates a 4-card crib, just like in two-player cribbage.

Who owns the crib?

  • The crib always belongs to the dealer
  • Only the dealer 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 scores 2 points

👉 Scoring explained: Cribbage Scoring Explained

Pegging Rules in Three-Player Cribbage

Pegging rules are the same as standard cribbage, with one difference: turn order.

  • Players take turns clockwise
  • Each player plays one card at a time
  • The running total cannot exceed 31

All standard pegging points apply:

  • 15s
  • 31s
  • Pairs
  • Runs
  • Go and last card

👉 Full rules: Cribbage Pegging Rules

Hand Scoring in Three-Player Cribbage

After pegging:

  1. Each non-dealer scores their hand (in order)
  2. The dealer scores their hand
  3. The dealer scores the crib

Each hand consists of:

  • 4 cards
  • + the starter card

👉 Hand examples: Cribbage Hands Explained

Board Setup for Three Players

Most cribbage boards include:

  • Three tracks, or
  • Shared tracks with different peg colors

Each player still uses two pegs to track their score.

👉 Visual explanation: Cribbage Board Explained

Strategy Notes (Brief)

Three-player cribbage tends to:

  • Be faster-paced
  • Have more unpredictable pegging
  • Reduce the average value of the crib

Discarding becomes more defensive, since two opponents are involved.

👉 Beginner strategy: Cribbage Strategy for Beginners

Common Mistakes in Three-Player Cribbage

  • Dealing 6 cards instead of 5
  • Forgetting the dealer adds a card to the crib
  • Playing as if it were a team game
  • Scoring the crib incorrectly

👉 Avoid errors: Common Cribbage Mistakes

Quick Summary

  • Players: 3 (individual play)
  • Cards dealt: 5 per player
  • Discards: 1 per player + 1 from dealer
  • Crib owner: Dealer
  • Goal: 121 points

👉 One-page reference: Cribbage Cheat Sheet

Frequently Asked Questions

Is three-player cribbage official?
Yes. It’s a recognized variation with standard rules.

Does the dealer always add a card to the crib?
Yes, to ensure the crib has four cards.

Is scoring different?
No. Scoring rules are the same as standard cribbage.

👉 More answers: Cribbage FAQ