How to Play Cribbage
Cribbage is a classic card game for two players that combines skill, strategy, and the iconic cribbage board. First to reach 121 points wins. The game has two main phases: pegging (playing cards alternately for points) and counting (scoring your hand and crib after all cards are played).
Deal & Discard
Deal 6 cards to each player. Each player discards 2 cards face-down into the crib - a bonus hand that scores for the dealer at the end. Then cut the remaining deck for the starter card. If it's a Jack, the dealer scores 2 points (nibs/his heels).
Pegging
Non-dealer plays first. Players alternate playing one card face-up, keeping a running total. You score:
- 15: Running total hits exactly 15 → 2 points
- Pair: Same rank as the previous card → 2 points (3 of a kind = 6, 4 = 12)
- Run: Cards played form a sequence (any order) → 1 point per card
- 31: Total hits exactly 31 → 2 points
- Go: Can't play without exceeding 31 → opponent gets 1 point. Count resets.
- Last card: Last player to play gets 1 point (if not 31)
Counting
After pegging, count each hand (non-dealer first) using the 4 hand cards plus the starter:
- 15s: Every combination totaling 15 → 2 points each
- Pairs: 2 points per pair
- Runs: 1 point per card in a run of 3+
- Flush: 4 cards same suit in hand → 4 points (5 with starter → 5)
- Nobs: Jack of the starter's suit in hand → 1 point
Dealer then counts the crib the same way. First to 121 wins - you can win during pegging or counting!
Strategy
- Keep cards that make 15s together. 5s are the most valuable cards in Cribbage.
- Discard carefully to your own crib. When you're the dealer, throw cards that work well together.
- Peg aggressively. Every point matters - don't leave easy pairs or 15s for your opponent.
History
Cribbage was invented by Sir John Suckling, an English poet, in the early 17th century. It evolved from the older game "Noddy." The cribbage board - originally used because paper was expensive - became an iconic part of the game. Cribbage is the only game legally permitted to be played for stakes in English pubs, and it remains beloved worldwide.
Tips and Strategies
Here are some helpful tips to improve your Cribbage gameplay:
- Learn the basic strategy for the game before trying advanced tactics.
- Pay attention to which cards have been played to track what remains in the deck.
- Manage your hand carefully and think about both offense and defense.
- Practice against AI opponents to build confidence before playing against other people.
- Study common opening moves and endgame strategies to improve your win rate.
Why Play Cribbage?
Card games combine skill, strategy, and just the right amount of luck. Every hand is different, which means the game never gets stale. The rules are usually simple to learn, but the strategic depth can take years to fully explore. Playing cards online lets you enjoy these timeless games whenever you want, without needing to find other players or shuffle a deck.
Cribbage is completely free to play with no registration required. Your progress and high scores are saved locally in your browser. Play on desktop, tablet, or mobile whenever you want. Challenge yourself to improve with each session and see how you compare on the leaderboard.
Controls
Desktop: Click cards to select for crib, click to play
Mobile: Tap cards to select for crib, tap to play