Who Governs the Rules for Cribbage?
- Jon Mullett
- Aug 23
- 4 min read
Ever been in the middle of a game of cribbage and someone tries to take a Q, K, A as a run for three? You object and they say, "that's how we play it in Ohio. Fortunately for you, the state of Ohio doesn't govern the rules for cribbage. You have two options. One, shrug your shoulders and go with it, or two, bust out the ACC rules handbook. Yes, cribbage has an official rulebook—and yes, there’s an organization that makes sure everyone’s playing the same game (in North America).
The American Cribbage Congress (ACC)
The American Cribbage Congress (ACC) is basically the referee, historian, and marketing branch of the cribbage world. Founded in 1980, the ACC keeps the game running smoothly by publishing the Official Tournament Rules—the ultimate word on how cribbage should be played.
If you’re curious, you can peek at the official rules yourself: Official Cribbage Rules – ACC
What Do They Do?
The ACC keeps cribbage rules consistent and regulates "official" records, even on a grass roots level (i.e. your hometown). Here's some of what they do:
Sanctioned Tournaments – from local showdowns to national competitions.
Grass Roots Clubs – local clubs where players meet up weekly to play, compete, and yes, brag about their double skunk.
Cribbage World Magazine – a publication with tournament recaps, strategy tips, and stories from cribbage die-hards.
Youth Programs – Harvesting the next generation to play the game.
Want to become a member of the ACC? Annual memberships cost just $20. Become a member online at: https://www.cribbage.org/NewSite/membership/default.asp or call (888)-PEGGING.
Want to Start Your Own Club?
Thinking about turning your kitchen table games into something bigger? The ACC will help you form an official club, with support and structure to make it easy.
Your go-to contact is:
Brenda Nason – ACC Membership Secretary
Email: membership@cribbage.org
Phone: 1-888-PEGGING (1-888-734-4464)
She’s the one to help you get your group on the cribbage map.
Why It Matters
You don't have to be an ACC member to organize a cribbage group; Many people, especially those just learning the game, prefer a more casual setting with lenient rules. At the end of the day, cribbage is all about fun and tradition. But knowing the official rules can prevent arguments during play. Having the ACC as the governing body means no matter where you play—whether it’s in a tournament hall, a local pub, or at grandma’s kitchen table—the rules are clear, fair, and the same for everyone.
So next time your opponent tries to slip in some obscure "rule" that they play in Ohio, simply refer to the ACC rules handbook.
BONUS: Illegal Moves and Common Mistakes in Cribbage
Illegal Moves During the Play
Most illegal plays pop up when players are keeping the running tally toward 31. Here are the big ones to watch out for:
Reneging: Saying “Go” while still holding a card that could be legally played under 31. Penalty: 2 points per unplayed card to your opponent.
Runs “Around the Corner”Sorry—there’s no wrapping in cribbage. A sequence like Q-K-A doesn’t count as a run.
Broken Runs After a ResetOnce the count hits 31 (or a Go is called), the run ends. For example, if the play goes 8-7-6 for 31, the next card (like a 5) starts fresh—it can’t extend the run.
Holding Back Cards After “Go”If you’re the last one with cards in hand, you must play anything that doesn’t push the total over 31 before the next lead begins.
Illegal Actions and Penalties
Beyond the play itself, there are a few other no-no’s that can cost you points—or even games:
Peeking at Cards – Looking at the starter card before discarding, or sneaking a peek at the bottom of the deck, costs 2 points.
Examining the Crib Early – Nobody touches the crib until the dealer counts it. Penalty: 2 points.
Claiming the Game Too Early – If you peg more points than you earned and call the win, you’re hit with a 15-point penalty, and your opponent scores the amount you overclaimed.
Overpegging – Repeatedly or intentionally pegging too many points is considered cheating. Your opponent can call “Muggins” and claim those points.
Misplacing the Starter Card – The starter card stays separate. It cannot go into your hand, the crib, or back in the deck.
Pegging with the Wrong Peg – Accidentally pegging with your opponent’s marker? That’s a 2-point penalty.
Common Hand-Counting Mistakes
Not all mistakes are illegal, but they will cost you points—especially if you’re playing with the Muggins rule, where your opponent can scoop up any points you miss.
Miscounting Double RunsExample: 6-7-7-8 is worth 8 points (two runs of three plus a pair). Many players undercount this.
Missing a Flush in the CribRemember: a flush in the crib only scores if all five cards (the four in the crib plus the starter) are the same suit. A four-card flush in the crib doesn’t count.
Mixing Up “His Heels” and “His Nobs”
His Heels: Dealer scores 2 points if the starter card is a Jack.
His Nobs: Score 1 point if your hand contains a Jack that matches the suit of the starter card.
Jon Mullett
Cribbage King
Fort Collins, Colorado
(303) 653-5112
Cribbage King makes "unofficial" custom crafted artizen cribbage boards.
