Three-Player Cribbage Rules (How to Play Cribbage 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 guide explains how to play three-player cribbage, including the correct dealing rules, crib setup, and gameplay flow.

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

Cribbage Rules, Scoring & Pegging — Printable PDF Guide

This printable cribbage guide gives you the rules, scoring chart, and quick reminders in one simple reference you can use while playing.

No more guessing how points work.

Printable PDF • Instant download • Beginner-friendly

👉 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