Cribbage
Master the perfect blend of strategy and luck in this classic two-player card game where every discard, play, and peg counts.
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What You'll Need
About This Game
A traditional card game combining luck and skill, played on a distinctive board with pegging tracks. Players form hands, play cards in sequence, and score points for various combinations.
How to Play
**Objective:** Be the first player to score 121 points using card combinations.
**Setup:** Deal 6 cards each; each player discards 2 to form "the crib" (belongs to dealer). Cut for "starter" card.
**The Play (Pegging):**
Players alternate playing cards, announcing running total (must stay ≤31). Reset to 0 when 31 is reached.
**Pegging Points:** Pair=2 pts; Three of a kind=6; Four of a kind=12; Run of 3+=1 pt/card; Total of 15=2 pts; Exactly 31=2 pts; Last card ("Go")=1 pt.
**Counting Hands:** Score non-dealer's hand, then dealer's, then crib. Combinations scored: fifteens (2 pts each), pairs, runs, flush, Nobs (Jack matching starter suit=1 pt).
**Winning:** First to peg past 121 wins immediately (even mid-opponent's turn).
Where to Buy
History & Background
Cribbage was invented by the English poet Sir John Suckling in the early 17th century (around 1630). Suckling was a wealthy nobleman, known gambler, and reportedly the best card player of his time. He based Cribbage on an older game called "Noddy."
The game became extremely popular in England and was brought to America by English colonists. It was one of the few card games legally permitted in English pubs, a tradition that continues today.
The distinctive cribbage board for scoring likely evolved from earlier tally-keeping methods. The standard 121-point game (originally 61 points on a short board) remains unchanged since the 1600s.
Cribbage holds special status in the American submarine force - it's the official pastime aboard US Navy submarines, a tradition started during World War II. The oldest known cribbage board is kept aboard the oldest submarine in the fleet.
Learn More
Rules & How to Play
2 linksVideos
1 linkBackground
1 linkFrequently Asked Questions
Can you play Cribbage with 2 players?
Yes, Cribbage works great with 2 players. The game is well-suited to a duo and you'll have a fantastic time together.
What changes when playing Cribbage with 2 players?
With 2 players, Cribbage plays smoothly — the main difference is a more direct, head-to-head dynamic. You'll interact more closely with your opponent, which can make each round feel more personal and strategic.
How long does Cribbage take to play?
A typical game of Cribbage takes about 20-30 minutes. This can vary based on players' experience level and how quickly decisions are made.
What do you need to play Cribbage?
To play Cribbage, you need: Standard 52-card deck, and Cribbage board with pegs (or paper for scoring).
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