Play Cribbage Online Free
Play classic two-player cribbage against the computer right in your browser. No download, no account. The game deals, counts the pegging and scores every hand for you, so you can focus on strategy. First to 121 points wins.
How to Play Cribbage
- Deal. Each player gets 6 cards. The dealer switches every hand.
- Crib. Both players put 2 cards face down into the crib. The crib belongs to the dealer.
- Starter. A card is cut from the deck and turned face up. If it is a Jack, the dealer scores 2 ("his heels").
- Play (pegging). Players take turns laying cards, adding to a running count that may not go over 31. Say "Go" when you can't play. Points are scored during play.
- Show. The non-dealer counts their hand first, then the dealer counts their hand and the crib, each together with the starter card.
Cribbage Scoring
| Combination | Points |
|---|---|
| Each combination adding to 15 | 2 |
| Pair | 2 |
| Three of a kind (pair royal) | 6 |
| Four of a kind | 12 |
| Run of 3 or more | 1 per card |
| Flush (4 in hand, 5 in crib) | 4 or 5 |
| Jack of the starter's suit ("nobs") | 1 |
| Pegging: count hits 15 or 31 | 2 |
| Pegging: last card / Go | 1 |
Face cards count 10 and Aces count 1. The highest possible hand is 29: three 5s and the Jack in hand with the fourth 5 of the Jack's suit as the starter.
Cribbage Strategy Tips
- Keep 5s and cards that make 15s with them (10s, face cards).
- When it's not your crib, avoid throwing 5s or pairs into it.
- During pegging, avoid leading a card that lets your opponent make 15 easily, and avoid leaving the count at 5 or 21.
Cribbage FAQ
What is the highest possible cribbage hand?
29 points: three 5s plus the Jack in hand, with the fourth 5 of the Jack's suit as the starter card.
What score do you play to in cribbage?
A standard game is played to 121 points, which is twice around a standard pegboard.
Is a hand of 19 possible in cribbage?
No. 19 is impossible, as are 25, 26 and 27. That is why players jokingly call a zero-point hand a “19”.
Who counts first in cribbage?
The non-dealer always counts first, then the dealer counts their hand, then the dealer counts the crib.
Can you play cribbage online free?
Yes. This page lets you play cribbage free against the computer with no download or sign-up.
What does “his nobs” mean?
Holding the Jack of the same suit as the starter card scores 1 point, called his nobs.