Cribbage

The classic pegging game. Score 121 to win.

Goal

  • •First player to reach 121 points wins — the game ends the moment they get there.

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.
  • •After a Go or a 31 the count starts again from zero, led by the opponent of whoever played last.
  • •Last card played scores 1 point (not on top of the 2 for exactly 31).

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).
  • •A 4-card flush counts in a hand but not in the crib — the crib needs all 5 cards (with the starter) in one suit.
  • •If you miss points, your opponent can claim them — muggins!