Everything You Need To Know About Playing Cribbage

Cribbage may not be a game that younger or newer card and online casino enthusiasts are familiar with, but it’s definitely one that can bring a lot of extra fun and entertainment to any gathering. Let’s learn a little bit about the game and the basics of how to play it.

What Is Cribbage?

The game evolved from an earlier table game that rose to popularity in England, called Noddy. A wealthy English poet named Sir John Suckling was the inventor of Cribbage itself. He found that the game gave him more scope to exercise his skills as a card player but also kept the anticipation of a fresh deal. The goal of the game is to score 121 points before the other players (Cribbage can have as many as four players, but two players are best) do. Each hand you are dealt determines how many points you will score.

How To Play

The cards rank as follows: K (high), Q, J, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, A. A standard 52-card deck is used for play.

• 1. For two people: the dealer deals six cards each
• 2. For three people: the dealer deals five cards each and then one off to the side.
• 3. For four people: the dealer deals five cards each to players sitting opposite each other.

To determine who deals first, you will set the deck in front of the players and have everyone cut. Whoever selects the lowest card wins the deal first. The dealer shifts from person to person every time a new hand is dealt. Pick up cards and put them in order from smallest to largest (Ace being the smallest and King being the largest). This is not a hard and fast must, but it is easier to count the points in your hand if you do.

Points System

The points system for basic hands is as follows:

• Any cards that add up to the sum of 15
• Pairs (two of the same card)
• Flushes (four or more of the same suit)
• Three-of-a-kind
• Runs of 3 or more (runs are cards that are in numerical order)

Next, you’ll need to figure out which combination of cards will get you the most points, as you will need to discard two of them if six cards are dealt or one of them if five cards are dealt. You must have four cards left in your hand.

Your discards are placed face down in a pile in front of the dealer. This pile is called the Crib. The Crib is a four-card hand made up of discards that the dealer will count for extra points at the end of the hand.

Getting Started

Now, the game can really begin. The person to the left of the dealer or the person who did not deal cuts the remaining deck, and the dealer pulls the top card. That card is known as the cut card and is laid down on top of the remaining deck, where it will come into play later in the game. The person left of the dealer, or the person who did not deal, lays down the first card from their hand face down. That player must announce the face value of that card. Typically, you would begin by laying down the highest card in your hand.

Next, the person to the left will lay down a card in an attempt to add up to 15 for two points. You may also score 2 points by laying the same card right after the last one is laid. You could use a run of three, which would result in the player saying “21” for three and then pegging three points on the board. Lastly, you could add up to 31. This is the highest number that someone can add up to.

Repeat until 31 is reached, or the player who laid the last card before the other person couldn’t go gets a point for a turn. After the person gets a go, the player who couldn’t have a turn before begins again, and sets another card down face up.

Once all cards are down, count your hand. The non-dealer or person to the left of the dealer will count their hand first, and you’ll all work your way around. The Crib comes into play and can be used to help get you more points in your hand. Once the counting is finished, the game begins anew with the person to the left and so on and so forth.

Better Understanding the Scoring

Although the basic scoring may seem a little difficult, it will soon become clear. It will take some mastering to appreciate the game and its scoring system. Players can maximise the opportunity to score more points. Let’s try to break it down in simple terms: 

Double Runs: This is where you hold two of the same ranking cards (for example: 3-4-5 and an extra 4). These cards will score 3 points and offer a run for the duplicate, which increases the total points to 6.

Quadruple Pairs: This hand is made up of four of a kind and scores 6 points, 2 points for each of the three pairs. 

Counting 15 combos: As the cards are dealt, try and keep track of the unused pairs that can potentially add up to 15. This will help avoid handing over scoring opportunities to other players.

Starter Cards: The cut card can be a game-changer for points. This usually comes into play when the possibility of a flush or three-of-a-kind is there. 

Cribbage Tips for Winning Hands

• Keep hold of any fives or tens. These cards are the foundation of 15 combos. 
• Always try and finish at 31, for that max two-point bonus. Also referred to as “Pegging out”. 
• Keep a close eye on the cards other players are discarding. Low-ranking cards will show that they are playing defensively. 
• Mix it up between attack and defence. Sometimes neutralising the Crib can be the difference between winning and losing. 

Discarding into the Crib

The strategy of discarding cards into the Crib can be a tough one to nail. These are win-or-lose decisions after all. If you’re in the dealer position, you want to hold on to the fours, fives, and sixes, as these most commonly create quick fifteen bonuses. 

Those facing the dealer aim to stick with defensive cards, like twos and threes, and those with unmatched suits. Additionally, you should always avoid discarding fives in the crib, especially if you’re the dealer. This would be handing over points to the dealer. 

Conclusion

Cribbage is a game that brings luck and strategy together, with a much-welcomed social element, too. 

The game may seem daunting at first, but learning how to play isn’t as hard as it looks. Newbies will soon pick up the gist of it, and the rules will quickly make sense. You can learn for free online, or get yourself a board and play with friends. 

There are some excellent Cribbage games available at PokerStars, so be sure to check them out.

Give Cribbage A Try

Cribbage has a lot of complicated rules, but if you take your time and go through them slowly, you’ll be just fine. That, along with a few practice rounds, will have you playing like a pro before you know it.

FAQ

What are the most points you can score with one hand in Cribbage?

The most points scored in one hand is 29. This is only made up of one combination, the perfect hand. You need to land a J, 5, 5, 5 and the cut card needs to be a 5 of the same suit as the Jack. 

How many points do you need to win Cribbage?

You need to hit 121 points to win Cribbage. The Cribbage board usually has 60 or 120 holes. 

Is Cribbage Luck or Skill?

Cribbage is a game that combines luck and skill, and one that takes time to master. You should consider playing for free to build up your confidence with the game. 

Does the dealer have an advantage in Cribbage?

Yes, the dealers’ win rate is around 55% while the no-dealer has a 45% win rate. 

Do I need a Cribbage board to play?

Yes, you can buy a Cribbage board at many online retailers. But you can also play on a virtual board online at PokerStars.