top of page
CRIBBAGE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Frequently asked questions
Cribbage is a fun and strategic card game, usually played between two people (though 3 or 4 players can join too). Each player gets six cards and discards two into the crib, which acts as an extra hand for the dealer. The dealer alternates after each round.
The goal is to score points by forming combinations like 15s, pairs, runs, and more. After discarding, players take turns laying down cards, adding up their values until they reach 31 or can’t play any more. Points are scored during this phase, and then players count the points in their hands, with the dealer counting the crib last. The first player to reach 121 points wins!
For a detailed guide, check out our How to Play page.
Cribbage is a card game that was invented in the early 17th century in England. It remains one of the most popular two-player card games in the world.
Three track boards can accommodate 3 players. Four player games are played in teams of two, with players on the same team sitting across from each other. The play order rotates clockwise.
The number of cards dealt for 2, 3 and 4 person cribbage games is different for each. For 2 person games, players each are dealt 6 cards and discard two into the crib. For 3 player games, each player is dealt 5 cards and discards one into the crib with the dealer adding one card to the crib as well. For 4 player games, each player is dealt five cards and discards one into the crib.
Each version has different scoring strategies.
The highest-scoring hand in cribbage is an incredible 29 points! This rare “perfect hand” happens when you’re dealt a Jack and three Fives, and the cut card is a Five of the same suit as your Jack (known as knobs).
Here’s how the points add up:
- Eight 15s (8 x 2) = 16 points
- Six pairs (6 x 2) = 12 points
- Knobs = 1 point
Total = 29 points!
The odds of getting this hand are extremely rare—about 1 in 216,580 hands. It’s a moment every cribbage player dreams of!
Cribbage involves both skill and luck. The outcome of the game depends on various factors such as the skill and decisions of the players, the cards they are dealt, and the strategies players employ throughout the game. Cribbage has some interesting mathematical aspects, including combinatorics and probability. Players can gain an advantage by keeping track of the cards played and making strategic decisions based on the probabilities of certain cards being held by their opponents.
Some areas of cribbage that involve skill and strategy are:
• Discarding: Since the crib is scored by the dealer, it's important to consider which cards to discard. Ideally, you want to keep cards that can form high-scoring combinations while giving less favorable cards to the crib.
• Counting: During the play, keeping track of the cards played can help you deduce which cards are still in play and make more informed decisions about what cards to play.
• Pegging: The pegging phase requires careful consideration of the cards played and their potential combinations. Players aim to maximize their scoring opportunities while minimizing their opponent's chances.
• Positioning: Being the last player to play cards can provide an advantage, as you can potentially score points for combinations played by your opponent.
Cribbage is a game with many variables, and specific strategies may vary based on individual playing styles and game situations. It's always best to practice and gain experience to improve your cribbage skills.
There are many small cribbage tournaments held by club organizers or community groups, but the largest and most prestigious cribbage tournament is the American Cribbage Congress (ACC) Grand National Tournament.(https://www.cribbage.org/newsite/grandnatl/default.asp)
World Championships: Cribbage has a dedicated following, and there are international cribbage tournaments, including the World Cribbage Championships. Players from around the world compete for the title of world champion.
The ACC Grand National Tournament is an annual event organized by the American Cribbage Congress,(https://www.cribbage.org/default.asp) which is one of the largest organizations dedicated to promoting the game of cribbage in the United States.
The tournament attracts hundreds of participants from around the world, including both recreational players and seasoned professionals. It features multiple divisions and categories to accommodate players of different skill levels. The event typically spans several days and includes various formats, such as singles, doubles, and team competitions.
The 2023 ACC Grand National tournament takes place October 14-15 in Virginia Beach, VA.
See our blog about muggins style competitive cribbage.(https://www.cribbageking.com/post/muggins-cribbage)
Cribbage was invented in the early 17th century in England, making it one of the oldest card games still played today. The game's inventor is widely believed to be Sir John Suckling, an English poet and courtier who lived from 1609 to 1642. Sir John Suckling is often credited with introducing cribbage to the English court during the reign of King Charles I. Since then, cribbage has gained popularity and has become a beloved game enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. Here's the Sir John Suckling Cribbage Board (https://www.cribbageking.com/product-page/sir-john-suckling-cribbage-board-18-inch)dedicated to the games founder. More information about The History of Cribbage (https://www.cribbageking.com/post/the-history-of-cribbage)in this blog.
Tradition and Legacy: Cribbage has a rich history and is one of the oldest card games still played today. It dates back to the 17th century and has been passed down through generations. Many people enjoy playing cribbage as a way to connect with their heritage and carry on a beloved tradition.
Social Interaction: Cribbage is often played in a friendly, social setting. It provides an opportunity for people to come together, engage in conversation, and enjoy each other's company while playing a game. Cribbage tournaments and clubs exist, fostering a sense of community among players.
Strategic Challenge: Cribbage is a game that combines luck and skill. Players must make strategic decisions about which cards to keep and discard, how to peg points during gameplay, and when to play certain combinations. The game offers depth and complexity, allowing players to continually improve their skills and engage in a mental challenge.
Quick Play: Cribbage has relatively simple rules compared to some other card games. It can be learned quickly, making it accessible to players of different ages and skill levels. Additionally, a game of cribbage can be played relatively quickly, providing a satisfying gaming experience within a shorter timeframe.
Counting and Math Skills: Cribbage involves counting and calculating points, which can help improve numerical skills and mental agility. The game requires players to add up card values and make calculations on the fly, which can be both stimulating and enjoyable.
Competitive Spirit: Many people enjoy the competitive aspect of cribbage. The game allows players to test their skills against opponents, strive for high scores, and engage in friendly rivalries. The scoring system, with its unique combinations and point values, adds an element of excitement and satisfaction when players achieve high-scoring hands.
Overall, people play cribbage for its rich history, social aspects, strategic challenges, accessibility, and the enjoyment of friendly competition. The game offers a unique combination of tradition, skill, and camaraderie that continues to attract players around the world.
Cribbage is incredibly popular, especially in English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It boasts a vibrant community with countless tournaments, clubs, and online groups. Organizations like the American Cribbage Congress (ACC) and the European Cribbage Confederation (ECC) work to keep the game thriving.
Want to learn more? Check out our blog on the history of cribbage!
Each player is dealt six cards. Both players discard two cards (face down) into the crib which is counted after each round. The crib is essentially an extra hand for the dealer. Since the deal alternates between players, so does the crib.
There is some strategy when discarding cards into the crib. If you're the dealer and the crib is yours, you may want to play cards that can help you (a run of two cards). If you're the opponent, you may want to play cards that are less likely to result in points in the crib.
Knobs (https://www.cribbageking.com/scoring)is unique to cribbage and can be missed if you're not experienced. Knobs can happen two ways and is worth one or two points. The first way to get knobs is to have a Jack in your hand that is the same suite as the cut card.(https://www.cribbageking.com/howtoplaycribbage) This is worth knobs for one point and is counted along with the rest of the points in your hand. The second way to get knobs is if the dealer flips a Jack as the cut card. This is worth two points and is counted and pegged immediately after it's cut.
More info on our blog article about nobs and nibs in cribbage.(https://www.cribbageking.com/post/what-is-knobs-and-knibs-in-cribbage)
In cribbage, the best card to be dealt are those with higher potential for scoring combinations both in your hand and while pegging. These is one card that is considered advantageous; the five (5). The 5 card has the highest potential to get a "15" since there are more 10 cards than any other in the deck (10, J, Q, K).
Under the muggins rule, if your opponent fails to score any points for certain combinations during gameplay, you can "mug" or claim those points for yourself. Normally, in cribbage, each player takes turns counting the points they have made, and the opponent does not interfere. However, with muggins, if your opponent overlooks a scoring opportunity, you can point it out and claim those points for yourself.
It's worth noting that the muggins rule is not universally accepted, and many serious or competitive cribbage players do not use it. In official or tournament play, the muggins rule is not recognized. It is mostly employed in casual settings where players agree to incorporate this rule for added enjoyment or variation.
Sede more information on how to play muggins.
The cut card in cribbage is the card flipped from the deck before each round begins. Both players use it to count points in their hands. If the dealer flips a Jack, it’s called “knobs,” and they score two points right away.
The cut card can also influence scoring potential—especially if it’s a Five, which offers the highest point possibilities. It’s a small but exciting part of the game!
Cribbage, a card game typically played for points rather than money. In England, which is where cribbage originated, it is the only card game that is legal gamble on in pubs. In the USA, gambling is regulated and subject to specific restrictions by state. Most states, like my home state of Colorado, allow "social gambling". So long as there is not an organizer who takes a cut of the winnings, it's legal to play penny-a-point cribbage at your buddy's house.
Betting can be done two ways. Either a flat amount and that's given to the winner, or on a per hole basis. The latter is penny-per-hole cribbage or whatever amount is determined prior to play, The amount the winner receives is multiplied by the number of holes won by x the amount wagered per hole.
Typically if a player gets skunked, the wager amount is doubled for the winner. A double skunk is 4x the amount wagered. For more information about gambling on cribbage see my Betting on Cribbage Blog.(https://www.cribbageking.com/post/famous-cribbage-players)
Yes they do! But it depends on if the flush is in the crib or a player's hand. Click here (https://www.cribbageking.com/post/does-a-player-get-points-for-a-flush-in-cribbage?fbclid=IwAR1rIx7z8UAJVDMCnmIxYQ06Y38eNoIbuqQgeaN1RiJO20ullqm8a2Ilzik)for the rules on cards of the same suit (a flush) in cribbage.
Cribbage has its own terminology. In cribbage, the "pone" refers to the player who is not the dealer. The game of cribbage involves two players, and each player takes turns being the dealer. The dealer is the player who initially deals the cards, while the pone is the opponent who is not dealing. During the game, the dealer and the pone score points based on the cards played and the combinations formed. The roles of dealer and pone switch after each hand, allowing both players to have an equal opportunity to deal and be the pone.
One of the unique aspects of cribbage is the use of a scoring board called a "cribbage board." It has a series of holes or pegs that players move to keep track of their scores.
The cribbage board is used for pegging, which is how points are counted in cribbage. Boards have 120 pegging holes (or 60 with 2 laps) and the player to get over 120 points wins. Players use pegs (2) to leap frog each other anytime points are counted. This helps both players keep track of points taken.
The duration of a game of cribbage can vary depending on several factors, including the skill level of the players and the scoring variations being used. However, on average, a game of cribbage between two experienced players typically takes around 30 minutes to an hour to complete. Longer games can occur, especially if players engage in more strategic play and if multiple rounds or matches are being played consecutively.
The average r()andom ()hand in cribbage is worth 4.7 points. This assumes that the discarded cards are chosen at random. If you factor in skill, or a players decision on which cards to discard, the average hand for the dealer is 7.95 points and the average hand for the pone (non-dealer) is 8.10 points. ()
Cribbage King Boards are unique in that, in addition to being 18" in diameter, the have half inch pegging holes and pegs. This makes pegging more fun.
See more information about oversize cribbage boards and pegs in our blog about Table Size Cribbage Boards and Pegs.(https://www.cribbageking.com/post/king-sized-cribbage-experience-oversized-coffee-table-size-cribbage-boards-and-pegs)
Cribbage boards can be purchased at game and hobby stores, on Amazon, or at retailers like Walmart and Target. The boards you get at big box stores are cheaply made in China. There are many independent board makers like the Cribbage King (https://www.cribbageking.com/shop)that make and sell quality and unique boards.
Cribbage is popular in the USA and Canada. A few states that are known for their active cribbage communities are:
1. Massachusetts: Massachusetts has a strong tradition of cribbage and is home to numerous active cribbage clubs and leagues. The American Cribbage Congress (ACC), the governing body for cribbage in the United States, is headquartered in Massachusetts.
2. Wisconsin: Cribbage is widely played in Wisconsin, and the state hosts several prominent cribbage tournaments. The Wisconsin State Cribbage Championship, held annually, attracts a large number of participants.
3. Minnesota: Minnesota has a vibrant cribbage community, with many active clubs and leagues across the state. The Minnesota Cribbage Congress (MCC) organizes cribbage tournaments and promotes the game in the region.
4. Washington: Cribbage has a dedicated following in the Pacific Northwest. The Seattle Cribbage Meetup Group, one of the largest cribbage groups on Meetup.com, is based in Washington.
5. California: California is home to a significant number of cribbage players, with various clubs and tournaments taking place throughout the state. The California Cribbage Congress (CCC) organizes events and promotes cribbage in the region.
However, cribbage is played by millions of people across the world. More information about The History of Cribbage (https://www.cribbageking.com/post/the-history-of-cribbage)in this blog.
Cribbage is a card game traditionally played between two players, where each player is dealt six cards and discards two into the crib. Players use a cut card as a fifth card, and pegging begins after discarding. Points are tallied for various combinations like 15s, pairs, runs, and last cards. The game continues until a player reaches 121 points or more.
Cribbage, like most card games, may take a few games to become comfortable with. It involves counting points both in the hand and through pegging. While the basic concept can be grasped quickly, strategy becomes more crucial with experience. Visit the Cribbage King Scoring page for detailed information on point counting.
bottom of page