How to Learn to Play Cribbage

Ready to Learn Cribbage? Let's Go!

Cribbage is awesome! It's a card game that mixes luck and skill. Want a fun hobby? This guide will teach you everything you need to know.

Cribbage Basics: Getting Started

First, let's cover the basics. You play cribbage with a regular deck of 52 cards. Usually, it's two players, but you can play with three or four too. Each player gets six cards. The rest go in the “crib.”

Dealing the Cards: Shuffle and cut the deck. The person with the lower card deals. Each player gets six cards. The top card of the remaining deck is flipped up – this is important! Then, each player secretly puts two cards into the crib. Finally, the dealer flips the top card of the deck face up. That becomes part of the crib and all the hands.

Playing the Cards: Now, you take turns laying down one card at a time. Say the running total out loud. Number cards are worth their face value. Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth 10. Ace is 1. The goal? Get to 31, or as close as possible without going over.

Scoring in Cribbage: How to Score Points

Here's where the fun starts! Here's how you score:

• Fifteen: Get 15 points for any cards that add up to 15 (like 5 + 10).
• Pairs: Two cards of the same rank? That's 2 points.
• Three of a Kind: Three matching cards? 6 points for you!
• Four of a Kind: Four matching cards? A whopping 12 points!
• Runs: A run is three or more cards in a row (like 3, 4, 5). You get 1 point for each card in the run.
• Flush: Four cards of the same suit, plus the upturned card? That’s a 4-point flush!
• Jack of the Same Suit as the Cut Card ("Nob"): If a Jack matches the suit of the upturned card, you get 1 point. It's called a "Nob."
• Go: Can't play without going over 31? Say "Go," and your opponent gets to play all their cards.

Scoring Your Hand: After you've played all your cards, you score your hand, including the cut card. Use the same rules as above!

Smart Cribbage Strategies: Play Like a Pro

Sure, there's some luck, but strategy wins the game. Here’s what helps:

• Smart Discarding: Think about what cards your opponent might want. Try not to give them pairs or cards that are close to 15 or runs.
• Careful Counting: Keep track of the running total! Try to get as close to 31 as possible.
• Think Ahead: Try to guess what your opponent might score, and change your strategy based on that.
• Probability: Think about the chances of drawing certain cards. This helps with your decisions.
• Practice: The more you play, the better you'll get! Seriously.

Advanced Cribbage: Level Up Your Game

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, try these:

• Quick Counting: Learn to see scoring combinations fast.
• Probability: Get good at figuring out which cards are likely to come up.
• Watch Your Opponent: Pay attention to how they play. This can help you predict what they might do.
• Advanced Discarding: Think about how your discards affect both your hand and your opponent's.
• Endgame Strategy: Learn how to play your cards at the end to get the most points.

More Players, More Fun! Cribbage Variations

You can play cribbage with more than two people. The rules change a bit, but it’s still fun! There are many different ways to play.

Gambling and Cribbage: A Word of Caution

Sometimes, people bet money while playing cribbage. Remember to be responsible. Only bet what you can afford to lose. Have fun, but don't gamble more than you can handle.

Keep Learning! More Cribbage Resources

Want to learn more? Check these out:

• Online Cribbage Communities: Join online groups! You'll find lots of players who can give you tips.
• Cribbage Apps: There are apps to help you learn and play.
• Cribbage Books: You can find books with lots of strategies.

Learning cribbage takes time. Have fun and keep practicing!