The Correct Order to Count Cribbage Points

Jon Mullett
9 hours ago
6 min read

When I help new players learn how to count points in their hand, I always emphasize the importance of doing it in a consistent order. Following a set sequence not only makes it easier for both players to track the score, but it also helps prevent missed points. It might seem like a small detail, but in cribbage, order matters. While you won’t find it spelled out in the official rule book, counting your hand in the proper order is simply good cribbage etiquette—and a sign of a thoughtful, experienced player.

Fort Collins Cribbage Club — Cribbage Meetup Club of Northern Colorado

Before we dive into counting points in cribbage hands, let’s take a quick moment to review how pegging works.

Pegging: Count As You Go

Pegging occurs before players pick up their hands to count. There is no order to counting points in pegging. They are counted as they occur. Play alternates back and forth and are scored immediately.

Players score points for:

15's (e.g., if the total becomes 15): +2 points
Pairs, Trips, Four-of-a-Kind
Runs of 3 or more cards
Go: If a player can’t play without exceeding 31, they say “Go,” and the opponent continues and is awarded one point.
31 exactly: +2 points
Last card in a round: +1 point

Players take turns laying down one card at a time, calling out the running total as they go. Pegging begins with the non-dealer (also known as the pone). Points are scored for making 15s, 31s, pairs, and runs during play. The count resets to zero after reaching 31 or when neither player can play without exceeding it. In that case, the last player to lay a card scores a “Go.” We won’t cover all the details here, but if you’d like a full breakdown of pegging rules and scoring, check out our guide: How to Play Cribbage.

How to Count Your Hand?

When it’s your turn to count, lay your cards face-up on the table so both players can clearly see them. While it might feel natural to hold your cards, placing them down gives you time to count carefully and lets your opponent follow along.

Don’t worry if you miss a few points—especially if you’re new to the game. A good opponent will help you spot missed points and should give you enough time to work through your hand. If they rush you, let them know you're still learning and would like a moment to count on your own. And if they try to count your hand before you’re ready, politely ask them to wait—it's part of the learning process.

A Note About “Muggins”

There’s a variation of cribbage called “Muggins,” where opponents can claim any points you forget to count. While it adds a competitive twist, it’s not ideal for beginners. If you're just getting started, it’s best to agree not to play with muggins until you're more confident with scoring.

Counting Points in Cribbage Hands

Now for the heart of the game—counting points in your hand. One of the most important things to remember is this:

All unique combinations count.

For example, if you have the hand: 3♣️, 4♥️, 5♣️, 5♠️, you actually score two runs of three (each using a different 5) for 6 points, plus a pair for 2 more, totaling 8 points. Why? Because each 5 creates a distinct run:

3♣️, 4♥️, 5♣️
3♣️, 4♥️, 5♠️

Let’s break down the scoring categories in the correct order:

FIFTEENS

Start by counting all combinations of cards that total 15.Each combination is worth 2 points, no matter how many cards are used:

Two cards: 9 + 6 = 15 → 2 points
Three cards: 5 + 5 + 5 = 15 → 2 points
Four cards: 2 + 4 + 4 + 5 = 15 → 2 points
Five cards: A + 2 + 2 + 5 + 5 = 15 → 2 points

Find all possible combinations—each counts separately.

RUNS

Next, look for runs of 3 or more consecutive cards.Each card in the run is worth 1 point.

6, 7, 8 = Run of 3 → 3 points
7, 8, 9, 10 = Run of 4 → 4 points

Example: Hand = 4♦️, 6♥️, 7♠️, 8♦️, K♥️

Fifteen: 8♦️ + 7♠️ = 2 points
Run: 6♥️, 7♠️, 8♦️ = 3 pointsTotal = 5 points

PAIRS

Each pair = 2 points.

Triplets and four-of-a-kinds are scored as combinations of pairs:

Three of a kind (e.g., 6♠️, 6♦️, 6♥️) = 3 pairs = 6 points
Four of a kind = 6 combinations of pairs = 12 points

In this example, lets say your hand is 6♠️, 6♦️, 6♥️, there are three pair combinations(6♣️, 6♦️and 6♦️, 6♥️ and 6♠️, 6 ♥️).

With four of a kind. There are six pair combinations of pairs which counts as 12 points.

Double Runs (run with a pair)

If a run overlaps with a pair, you might have a double run.

Example: 5♠️, 6♥️, 7♠️, 7♦️

Two runs of 5–6–7 (each using a different 7) = 6 points
One pair (7♠️, 7♦️) = 2 pointsTotal = 8 points

A double run of four (4-card run + pair) is worth 10 points.

Try this:Hand = 6♦️, 7♣️, 8♥️, 8♣️, Q♦️

15: 7♣️ + 8♥️ = 2 points
15: 7♣️ + 8♣️ = 2 points
Double run (6–7–8 with both 8s) = 6 pointsTotal = 12 points

FLUSH

A flush is counted when all the cards in a hand are the same suite. Each card in the flush is worth one point. But there's a catch. Four card flushes count, but only in a player's hand (not in the crib). A flush in the crib must have five cards in the same suite (4 in hand and 1 community card). Another nuance in cribbage.

KNOBS

Last we count Knobs (nobs). Knobs occurs when a player has a Jack in their hand that is the same suite as the community card (cut card). Knobs is worth 1 point. May not seem like much but it could be the difference.

To recap the order of counting cribbage hands.

Fifteens: Cards where the sum is 15 (2 points)
Runs: 3+ cards in sequence (1 point per card)
Pairs: (2 points per pair)
Flushes:
- 4 cards in hand = 4 points (must all be the same suit).
- 5 cards (including starter) = 5 points.
- In the crib, all 5 cards must match for a flush.
Knobs: One point for holding a jack of the same suit as the starter card.

Count aloud and in this order. It helps prevent errors and makes it easier for your opponent to verify your score.

PRACTICE: Counting cribbage hands

Let's practice counting cribbage hands. Answers are listed below.

HAND 1

A♣️, 2♥️, J♦️, Q♥️

COMMUNITY CARD:

K♦️

HAND 2

4♦️, 5♣️, 6♦️, 6♣️

COMMUNITY CARD

6♦️

HAND 3

3♣️, 4♦️, 5♣️, K♦️

COMMUNITY CARD

K♣️

HAND 4

2♣️, 7♣️, 8♣️, 9♣️

COMMUNITY CARD

2♠️

HAND 5

4♦️, 5♠️, 6♦️, 6♣️

COMMUNITY CARD

10♠️

HAND 6

J♦️, 5♠️, 5♥️, 5♣️

COMMUNITY CARD

5♦️

Answer Hand 1: A run of three and knobs makes 4.

Answer Hand 2: Fifteen 2, fifteen 4, fifteen 6, and a triple run makes 21.

Answer Hand 3: Answer: Fifteen two, fifteen four, a run of three is seven, and a pair makes 9.

Answer Hand 4: Fifteen two, run of three is 5, a pair makes seven, and a four card flush makes 13.

Answer Hand 5: Fifteen two, fifteen four, fifteen six, and a double run (8) makes 14.

Answer Hand 6: This is the most famous hand in cribbage - the infamous 29 hand. Most points you can score in a single cribbage hand.

Practice more cribbage hands here: https://cribbagecalculator.com/.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping pegging points: You can't go back once the next card is played.
Scoring out of turn: The non-dealer (pone) always scores their hand first.
Improper flush scoring in the crib: Remember — four-card flushes don’t count in the crib! They do in the hand.
Counting runs incorrectly: Runs must be made of sequential cards and played consecutively during pegging. For hands, order doesn’t matter but sequence does. For example, when pegging 5, 4, 6 IS an unbroken sequence and gives the player that played the 6 three points. If the next card played is a 4 the sequence is broken and no points are awarded. Conversely, if the next card played is a 3, that player gets 4 points.

For more information on the game of cribbage visit my website Cribbage King, including information like how to play cribbage and cribbage scoring.