Cribbage

The classic pegging game. Score 121 to win.

Goal

  • First player to reach 121 points wins.

Setup

  • Each player is dealt 6 cards.
  • Each player discards 2 cards face-down to the crib (dealer's bonus hand).
  • The non-dealer cuts the deck to reveal the starter card.
  • If the starter is a Jack, the dealer scores 2 points (nibs).

Pegging

  • Players alternate playing cards face-up, keeping a running count (max 31).
  • Score points for: reaching exactly 15 (2 pts), reaching exactly 31 (2 pts), pairs and runs on the top of the stack.
  • If you can't play without going over 31, say 'Go'. Opponent keeps playing until they also can't, then scores 1 pt.
  • Last card played scores 1 point.

Counting

  • Non-dealer counts their hand first, then dealer, then dealer counts the crib.
  • Score fifteens (any cards summing to 15 = 2 pts each), pairs, runs, flush, and nobs (Jack matching starter's suit = 1 pt).
  • If you miss points, your opponent can claim them — muggins!