Alrighty, folks, gather ‘round for a little game we like to call cribbage. And what better way to learn the rules than with this remarkable printable guide we found? Check it out:
Cribbage Rules!
Now, let’s break it down:
First off, you need a deck of cards and a cribbage board. If you don’t have the board, don’t fret- you can use a pencil and paper to keep track of the points.
Objective:
The goal of cribbage is to be the first player to reach 121 points. Simple enough, right?
Gameplay:
To begin, players cut for first deal- highest card wins. The dealer then shuffles the deck and each player is dealt six cards. Each player then selects two cards to discard face-down to form the “crib,” which will be used later in the game to earn additional points.
Once the crib is formed, the non-dealer cuts the deck and the dealer reveals the top card. This card is known as the “starter” and is used in conjunction with the cards in each player’s hand to score points.
Scoring:
Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of scoring. Trust us, it’s not as complicated as it may seem.
15s:
If the combination of cards in your hand (including the starter card) add up to 15, you earn two points. For example, if you had a 7, 8, and the starter was a Jack (worth 10), you would earn two points for a total of 15.
Pairs:
If you have two or three of a kind in your hand, you earn points. Two of a kind is worth two points, and three of a kind is worth six points.
Runs:
If your cards form a sequences of three or more in a row (e.g. 5-6-7 or 10-J-Q-K), you earn points based on the length of the run. A run of three earns three points, a run of four earns four points, and so on.
Flush:
If all four cards in your hand are of the same suit, you earn four points. If the starter card also matches, you earn five points.
Jack:
If the starter card is a Jack, the player who holds the card of the same suit as the Jack earns one point.
The Crib:
Remember that discarded crib we mentioned earlier? It can earn you even more points. After each player has scored their hand, the dealer takes the crib and scores it in the same manner. The only exception is that if the starter card is a Jack, the dealer earns the point.
Strategy:
Cribbage is a game of both luck and strategy. Knowing when to discard certain cards to the crib and how to play them during scoring can make all the difference. Keep these tips in mind:
- Discard cards that are unlikely to help you form combinations during scoring.
- Look for pairs and runs in your hand during scoring.
- Don’t be afraid to “peg” points during the game by playing cards that add up to 15 or form runs.
And there you have it, folks- everything you need to know to get started playing cribbage like a pro. Now, who’s ready for a game?
