What are the basic rules of Cribbage?

Play phase: Players alternate playing cards, announcing running totals. Score points for: reaching exactly 15 (2 points), pairs (2), runs (1 per card), reaching exactly 31 (2), last card if total is under 31 (1). Cards are played until neither player can play without exceeding 31, then reset to zero. After play, count hands: non-dealer first, then dealer, then dealer counts the crib.

Regras de Cribbage - Como jogar

Objetivo

Be the first player to score 121 points (or 'peg out'). Points are earned through card combinations during play and in hand scoring.

Visão geral

Cribbage is a classic card game for two players combining luck and skill. Points are scored for card combinations during play and in hand/crib counting. The distinctive cribbage board tracks scores with pegs racing to 121.

Configuração

Standard 52-card deck, 2 players (4-player variant exists). Deal 6 cards each. Each player discards 2 cards to form the 'crib' (a bonus hand for the dealer). Cut for a 'starter' card.

Como jogar

Play phase: Players alternate playing cards, announcing running totals. Score points for: reaching exactly 15 (2 points), pairs (2), runs (1 per card), reaching exactly 31 (2), last card if total is under 31 (1).
Cards are played until neither player can play without exceeding 31, then reset to zero.
After play, count hands: non-dealer first, then dealer, then dealer counts the crib.
Scoring in hand: 15s (2 each), pairs (2), runs (per card), flush (4-5 for 4-5 suited cards), nobs (jack matching starter suit = 1).
The starter card is used by both hands and the crib.
Move your peg on the cribbage board for each point scored.

Vencer o jogo

First to 121 points. If the loser hasn't passed 91 points, they're 'skunked' (some count this as a double win).

Dicas estratégicas

Aim for 15s when discarding to the crib - 5s and 10-value cards pair well.

Keep cards close in rank for run potential.

Don't give your opponent good crib cards - avoid 5s especially.

During play, avoid making the count 21 (sets up easy 31 for opponent).

Leading with low cards is generally safer.

Count 'His Heels' - if the starter is a Jack, dealer pegs 2 immediately.

História

Cribbage was invented by Sir John Suckling around 1630 in England. The game spread widely and remains particularly popular in the English-speaking world and Scandinavia.