Pairs, on the other hand, earn you two points for every pair you have. A 15 combination happens when the cards in your hand add up to 15, giving you two points. For instance, the 15s and pairs are considered high-scoring combinations. One of the foremost strategies in winning at Cribbage is aiming for card combinations that yield the highest points. Winning at this game is not only a matter of chance, but also involves strategic thinking, astute card play, and a bit of luck. Additionally, keeping track of what cards have been played can help you make better decisions during the play phase of the game.Ĭribbage, a classic card game that dates back to the 17th century, demands a unique mix of skills and fortune from its players. It’s also important to consider what cards to discard into the crib, as these can give additional points to the dealer. One key strategy is to aim for card combinations that give you the most points, such as 15s and pairs. Winning at Cribbage requires a blend of strategic thinking, careful card play, and a bit of luck.

Scoring: Points are scored for card combinations during play, as well as in the players’ hands and the crib after play.

If no player reaches 121 points after the final round of play, the player with the highest score wins. End of the Game: The game ends when a player reaches 121 points.

Points are scored for combinations such as pairs, runs, and totals of 15.

Gameplay: Players take turns playing cards, trying to reach a total of 31.

Setup: Each player starts at the beginning of the score track on the board, and the order of play is determined by cutting the deck.

Each player then discards two cards into the crib, which will later be used by the dealer. The dealer then deals six cards to each player (or five in some variations). The dealer shuffles the deck and the player to their left cuts it. The deal in Cribbage rotates clockwise around the table, with each player getting a turn to deal. After all cards are played, players score their hands and the crib, counting combinations of cards that total 15, runs, pairs, and flushes. The players then take turns playing cards, trying to reach a total of 31. If this card is a Jack, the dealer scores two points.

The non-dealer then cuts the deck to reveal a ‘starter’ card. The crib acts as an extra hand for the dealer, who changes each round. Each player is dealt a hand of six cards, from which they must choose four to keep, discarding the rest into the ‘crib’. The rules of Cribbage are fairly straightforward. A good strategy can often turn a mediocre hand into a winning one. Always remember, in Cribbage, it’s not just about the cards you hold, but also about how you play them.

How to play cribbage scoring