The crib is one of the most important — and most misunderstood — parts of cribbage. Every hand includes a crib, and how it’s used can strongly influence the outcome of the game.
This guide explains what the crib is in cribbage, how it works, how it’s scored, and why discard decisions matter so much.
If you’re new to the game, start with the basics first:
What Is the Crib?
The crib is a separate hand made up of cards discarded by the players at the start of each round.
- Each player discards two cards into the crib
- The crib always belongs to the dealer
- The dealer scores the crib at the end of the round
The crib is counted after both players score their hands.
How the Crib Is Formed
In standard two-player cribbage:
- Each player is dealt 6 cards
- Each player discards 2 cards into the crib
- The remaining 4 cards form each player’s hand
👉 Dealing explained: Cribbage Dealing Rules
Who Scores the Crib?
Only the dealer scores the crib.
This is a key rule and affects strategy:
- If you are the dealer, the crib helps you
- If you are not the dealer, the crib helps your opponent
Because of this, discard strategy changes every hand.
How the Crib Is Scored
The crib is scored using almost the same rules as a regular hand.
It is scored for:
- Fifteens
- Pairs and multiples
- Runs
- Nobs
👉 Full scoring rules: Cribbage Scoring Explained
Important Crib Flush Rule (Very Common Mistake)
Flush rules are stricter in the crib.
- A flush scores only if all 5 cards (including the starter card) are the same suit
- A 4-card flush in the crib scores zero points
This is one of the most common beginner mistakes.
👉 Avoid errors: Common Cribbage Mistakes
Why the Crib Is Strategically Important
The crib can:
- Add significant points for the dealer
- Swing close games
- Punish careless discards
Even a few extra crib points per game can change long-term results.
Discarding to Your Own Crib (Dealer Strategy)
When you are the dealer:
- You can discard more aggressively
- Feeding the crib is often beneficial
Strong cards for your own crib include:
- 5s
- Pairs
- Connected cards (like 6–7 or 9–10)
- Cards that total 15
👉 Full guide: Cribbage Discard Strategy
Discarding to Your Opponent’s Crib (Non-Dealer Strategy)
When you are not the dealer:
- Your goal is to limit crib value
- Defensive discards matter more than hand potential
Try to avoid discarding:
- 5s
- Pairs
- Connected cards
- Cards that easily form fifteens
Even “weak” cards can become dangerous in the crib.
The Crib and Pegging
Discard choices also affect pegging.
Poor discards can leave you with:
- Too many high cards
- Forced leads with 5s
- Weak pegging control
👉 Pegging basics: Cribbage Pegging Rules
Crib vs Hand Value
A common beginner mistake is focusing only on hand strength.
In reality:
- Dealer = hand + crib
- Non-dealer = hand – crib risk
Balancing these factors is a core cribbage skill.
👉 Beginner overview: Cribbage Strategy for Beginners
Example: Dealer vs Non-Dealer Discards
Same hand, different choices:
- As dealer → keep flexible hand, feed crib
- As non-dealer → protect hand, starve crib
This is why discard strategy changes every round.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Crib
Is the crib always scored last?
Yes. The dealer scores the crib after both hands are counted.
Can the crib score a flush?
Yes, but only if all 5 cards are the same suit.
Does the starter card count in the crib?
Yes, the starter card is always included.
👉 More answers: Cribbage FAQ
Quick Summary
- The crib is a separate hand
- Only the dealer scores it
- Flush rules are stricter
- Discards matter every round
👉 One-page reminder: Cribbage Cheat Sheet
Practice Using the Crib Correctly
Learning crib strategy takes repetition.
👉 Practice online: Play Cribbage Online
👉 App options: Best Cribbage Apps