If a player places a card that makes the running total 31, they get to peg 2 points. If a player places a card that makes the running total 15, they get to peg 2 points. When both players no longer have any cards to play, this phase ends. If a player reaches 31 during this phase, then they receive one point and the counting restarts at 0. The total of the cards played cannot exceed 31. If the next player plays a “7” they announce 13. Each player keeps their cards in their own pile and announces the count of the cards that have been played.įor example, if a “6” is played first, a total of six is announced.

The non-dealer starts by laying a card face up, then the dealer, and so on. Once each player has thrown their cards to the crib, the count begins. It’s important to note that there is a rule called “two for his heels” where if the starter is a jack, the dealer is able to peg two points immediately. This is the “starter” and is used later in the game to help gain points. The dealer turns up the card and places it on top of the deck. Once both players have thrown their cards to the crib, the non-dealer cuts the deck. The dealer should try to maximize the number of points they can get in both their hand and crib.

The crib belongs to the dealer and is counted as a second hand at the end of the “show”. Once the dealer has been selected, they shuffle the cards and deal 6 to each player, starting with their opponent.Įach person then selects two cards to “lay away”, or throw, to the crib. In Cribbage, aces are low and count for one point. To determine who goes first, each player cuts the deck, and whoever cuts the lowest card deals first. But some boards can accommodate three players and it is possible to play on teams of two.

Players and Turn OrderĬribbage is most commonly a two player game. It is impossible for there to be a tie or a draw. You can also can also play a half game of cribbage to 61 points if you're short on time. Pegging is the act of scoring and is done by advancing the rear peg to the front. The first person to peg 121 points and get to the end of the board, or “peg out” is the winner. Its perfect for road trips, camping, a week at the cabin, or a quick game at home. A game only takes about 15 - 30 minutes to get through, depending on fast you play. The great thing about Cribbage is that it only needs a board and a deck of cards to be played. A mix of skill and luck, cribbage is fun game for all ages.

How to play cribbage 3 players