How to Play Cribbage for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide

Sometimes I’m surprised how many people think cribbage is too complicated to play with the family. But honestly, once you get the hang of it, it’s a pretty solid way to pass an evening together.

What Is Cribbage?

Cribbage is a classic card game that’s been around for centuries. It’s a mix of strategy and luck, and it works great with a group of four players. In our house, we often play it during long game nights when we want something a bit more involved than a quick round of Rummy.

How to Deal the Cards

Each player gets six cards. After that, the dealer cuts the deck and chooses one card to put into the "crib" — a separate pile that neither player uses directly, but is scored later.

In our house, we usually play with a standard 52-card deck. The goal is to make combinations of cards that add up to 15, or to form runs, pairs, and flushes.

Scoring Basics

There are several ways to score in cribbage:

Fifteens: When you combine cards to total 15, you score 2 points.
Pairs: Two matching cards are worth 2 points. Three of a kind is 6 points. Four of a kind is 12 points.
Runs: Sequences of three or more cards score points equal to the number of cards in the run.
Flushes: All four cards of the same suit (not including the crib) score 4 points. A five-card flush scores 5 points.
Nobs: The Jack of the same suit as the starter card (the card turned up after dealing) scores 1 point.

How to Play a Hand

Each player takes turns laying down cards, starting with the non-dealer. The goal is to play cards that bring the running total closer to 15, or to make combinations like pairs or runs.

If you go over 31, you lose your turn. And if you lay down a card that brings the total to exactly 31, you score 2 points.

The Crib

After each hand, the dealer puts two cards from their hand into the crib. Then, the non-dealer plays a card from their hand, followed by the dealer.

The crib is scored by both players, using the starter card that’s turned up after dealing. So it’s not just about what you play — it’s about what the whole hand adds up to.

Tips for New Players

Start slow: Don’t rush the scoring. It helps to count out loud and double-check your points.
Use the crib wisely: Sometimes it’s better to put a weak card in the crib than to risk giving away a good hand.
Look ahead: Try to anticipate what your opponent might play next. It helps to plan a bit ahead.
Practice makes progress: The more you play, the faster and more accurate you’ll get.

A Few More Rules to Keep in Mind

In our house, we play with the most common version of cribbage — where you’re trying to reach 121 points first. But if you’re playing casually, you can agree to play to 61 or 100 points.

Also, don’t forget about the “go.” If a player can’t play a card without going over 31, they say “go,” and the other player continues until they can’t play either.

Give It a Try

Cribbage is a game that rewards attention to detail and a bit of strategy. It’s not the fastest game, but it’s one that keeps everyone focused and engaged. Whether you’re playing with the kids or with relatives across the country, it’s a great way to spend time together.

Want to play a hand with the family online? Join a game on Family Time